This was a 2008 bottle. Poured cloudy with a couple finger tan foam. Retention was average at best with some blotchy lacing.
Aroma is big sweet molasses and toffee. Dark fruits, touch of vanilla, and slight cocoa.
Taste is sweet molasses up front and transitions to the dark fruits in the finish. A little dark fruit (cherry) aftertaste and slight cocoa. Complex and big.
Big beer in the mouth: chewy and coating. Carbonation is light. Dry.
Not really as heavy as it seems since it is well balanced. The alcohol, although high, isn't even noticeable. I fine representation of the style. Enjoy!