Pours beautifully and clear into my snifter glass. A nice half-inch of tan foam that didn't have the greatest retention. No lacing.
Aroma is complex with my nose going all over the place. Lots of malt (grain/bread), dark fruit, vanilla, molasses, and maybe a slight twinge of alcohol. Not for the faint of heart.
Taste: magnificent. Sweet caramel, molasses flavors start the beer. The middle seems to be more of the dark fruit while ending with vanilla, hop bitterness, oak, and slight alcohol. The alcohol isn't overwhelming so it doesn't take from the overall taste. Vanilla, oak, and slight bitter after taste that is just the right amount to offset the big sweet.
Medium body and carbonation with a slight dryness to the finish. Can feel the heat on the way down.
Color me guilty: I truly enjoy this beer. I had five or six before I finally wanted to take the time to review. A complex beer that throws a little warmth down the throat to let you know about the high alcohol but all the flavors and aromas are balanced so well. Enjoy!