Flashlight shows just the ever so slightest hint of deep ruby hue, minimal head retention, smells of coffee, charred oak, and maple syrup. The taste is sweet with notes of smoke, coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of maple on a syrupy medium body. The finish is long and moderately bitter, with notes of smoke, bourbon barrel, black coffee, and herbal hops. Overall, it has a much more pronounced charred oak character than the standard variant, along with black coffee and a touch of maple; personally I’d like a little less coffee and a little more maple, however it is certainly more complex than the standard stout this year.
