Pours opaque with an inch of light brown and thick foam. Retention is above average with thick, yet thin lacing.
Aroma carries licorice first. Roasted malt and chocolate come through next. Subtleties of alcohol also greet the nose. Had to work to find what little I did (served in a snifter).
Taste is more of the same in terms of difficulty finding flavors. The end brings an acute alcohol burn followed by late sensations of chocolate and licorice. Warms as it goes down.
Medium body and definitely thin for what I expect. Medium carbonation while drying to palate.
Beer seems to be a bit unfinished. It might still be a bit young at eight months or so. I assume the sharp edged alcohol would lighten with age and hopefully the beer would build some character. Wait a while. Enjoy!