By Jeff Evans

Nose

Sensational aroma of rich, darkroasted coffee beans, plain chocolate and biscuity malt. Like walking past Starbucks!

Palate

Very bitter and grainy with burnt, charcoal-like notes. Rich coffee and plain chocolate are very evident throughout.

Finish

Dry and long-lasting with more heavy bitterness and coffee character.

Comment

This ruby beer certainly lives up to its name. Just as an Italian espresso coffee (unsugared) is a bitter, demanding drink and a shock to the senses, so is this uncompromising, bold stout, courtesy of espresso coffee beans added to the copper.