Black Caulldron Imperial Stout

Bottled on 2009-12-10. Pours opaque with a couple of inches of mocha and brown foam on top. Retention is average or better with the foam becoming frothier as it dissipates. Lacing is only minor. Aroma roast and sweet chocolate. There is a very light presence of smoke. I wish there were some dark fruits in there. Taste is large and wonderful with a trail end of smoke coming in side door. Very sweet up front giving way to dark fruits and roasted malt. The end brings on bitter chocolate and prunes. Nice. Big body with a mild carbonation on top of this slightly viscous beer. Dries the palate. A really fine sample of an Imperial Stout. The smoke adds subtle complexities (glad it wasn't overwhelming). In spite of how big it sits in the mouth the beer is very drinkable but still a sipper. Enjoy!