Nose is of dark malt, roast coffee, black treacle and dark dried fruit.
It is quite lively in the mouth, with initially a somewhat lactic taste of creamy coffee, but quickly developing into rich, malty and dark but slightly sour fruity flavours - figs, blackcurrants, black cherries, black treacle, burnt sugar, dark chocolate, bitter dark-roast coffee (still with a dash of cream) and a touch of hop. The more bitter of these flavours (coffee, chocolate, hops) increase in intensity towards the finish, though still tempered by sweeter red fruit notes. Aftertaste is a gorgeous lingering malty bitterness, much like a dry stout, with a warming, spicy touch that wouldn't be out of place in a much stronger beer. A thoroughly lovely experience from start to finish.