“An imperial milk stout brewed with lactose and matured on freshly roasted cocoa nibs. These additions build on the chocolate notes from roasted malts to create a luxurious creamy chocolate character.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Solid black with a wispy brown overlay. The head holds together well and leaves fine spotty lace down the glass.

Aroma: This is in-your-face ash tray kind of smokiness. Definitely a burnt out campfire vibe going on with a balancing act of rich dark chocolate, espresso, burnt rubber, black leather, licorice, lactose, molasses and something fruity like blackberries or cherry. It really starts to fan out as it settles. Good Lord this bad boy has some bite!

Flavour: Huuuuge! It’s amazing because the first sip is just pungent, smoky and burnt but the second sip provides a bit more sweetness and depth. By the time we’re on our third and fourth it’s all one big happy family – smoky yet sweet, rich but somehow balanced with that super subtle fruitiness coming through. Turns aggressive again to finish but still offers a plethora of rich flavour on the back end.

Mouthfeel: Dense and seriously full bodied. There’s a soft carbonation that gives a bit of life though. 10.5% ABV is evident at times.

Overall: This has got some serious vigour. And it’s not even barrel aged! Memo to Nerd Brewing…barrel age this bad boy! Or don’t. Coz it’s pretty freakin awesome how it is.