Sampled at Leon’s Decatur for the “Terrapin Takeover” on 8/12/10. I went to this event specifically for this and Big Sloppy Monster, neither of which I had tried before.
Rumor had it that this was a ’06 version but at the time there was no way to confirm.
Beer poured into a 10 oz glass looks much as expected. Jet black, but with a tan head that was a little smaller and less well-retained than other versions of this beer.
The combination of age and liquor element provides a beer that is astonishingly smooth. Virtually ALL the edges were taken off this and as a result the drinkability was incredibly high. For me the liquor and alcohol elements were almost completely missing, and they had been replaced by a velvet smooth creaminess. The only hint of alcohol was in the warming finish. Roast on the malts seems light, and overall the age has produce a beer with a light touch that kisses the palate. Very gentle drinking. Coffee elements have also faded, but this does not detract from the experience for me. A lot of sweetness and vanilla.
Delicious, but this will disappoint if you are looking for an aggressive, boozy, in your face beer.