By Jeff Evans

Nose

Biscuity, creamy, bitter roasted malts with a coffee accent.

Palate

Bitter, tart dark malt brings more coffee, as well as dark chocolate notes, to the drying taste which is lightly creamy and also offers a hint of liquorice. There's a gentle sweetness behind and hop flavours throughout. Fairly crisp and not too heavy.

Finish

Dry, bitter roasted grains with hops again in evidence.

Comment

A black lager that drinks like a crisp, clean stout and is likely to be of more appeal to stout drinkers than lager buyers.

By Sally Toms

Nose

Smoky bacon crisps and a mug of bitter-roast coffee. Uniquely appetising!

Palate

More of that smokiness, underpinned by dark fruits as sweet as they are bitter.

Finish

Well rounded coffee and cocoa bitterness. A bit of lingering spice (black pepper).

Comment

Not as sweet as some dark lagers. More stout-like, I'd say. But I love what's trying to be achieved here and I hope it's a huge success.