I poured this midnight-dark brew quite vigorously, and a dark tan foam cap rose swiftly to the brim of my snifter. It receded quickly, like a beach wave, and left a cola-colored liquid behind. After letting it warm a bit, very pleasant aromas of cacao nibs, burnt toast and dark, roasted coffee arose from the glass. A very minor alcohol note also caught my nose. The brew featured a prominent, almost intense, chocolate flavor that was quite smooth, with very limited hop bitterness and no perceptible hop flavor. It finished with a terrifically smooth roastiness, almost slick, enhanced by a relatively low carbonation level. Compared to other imperial stouts, this offered none of the acrid, sharp bitterness typical of the style. Overall, this is a fine dessert-like sipper.