“How big do you reckon the biggest ever Black Forest cake was? Well, it was pretty freakin’ big! Weighing 3,000kg and packed full of sour cherries, cacao and a whole lotta love… Just like this stout! Imagine trying to fit that in ya cake hole!”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Black with a thumb of tanned foam atop. It gradually settles to a halo and drags a wet lace down the glass.

Aroma: At first it seemed frustratingly basic but once it warms she really begins to open up. Tart dark fruits like cherry and plum, vanilla, lactose/milk sugars, flaked chocolate, cocoa, raspberry puree, brown sugar and subtle mocha all come together to produce a pretty damn fine aroma.

Flavour: Same as the aroma in the sense that the front palate is slightly weak and watery but out of nowhere this burst of tart fruits i.e cherry, plum and mixed berries mingles with sweet vanilla, milk chocolate, cocoa powder, light roast and burnt sugar. Nice carry in to the kinda dry, fruity and roasty finish.

Mouthfeel: Loses some points here as it’s a little thin and watered down. Co2 slightly lifted though. 6.5% ABV is nicely disguised.

Overall: Can’t say we’re completely blown away but it is a fairly decent dessert stout. Good without being great.