The pour is a viscous, black with a slightly orange colored head.

Ostensibly, all the prerequisites of a RIS are there, but the beer never reaches the kind of crescendo that often comes with thistle.

It’s actually very reserved. Extremely light roast, along with tempered alcohol for an 11.5% beer and subtle, even gentle touch.

Light oils, no aggression and a simple, brooding presence.

There is little to no heat here which is astonishing. The beer breaks gently across the palate and there is a tiny sting. The sting is gentle, and the lingering vibration is simple. Light EtOH in the finish, but nothing like the kick it could have had.

$13.49 at Smyrna World of Beverage.