By Jeff Evans

Nose

Heady and sherry-like. Earthy dark malts are somewhat lost behind the alcohol.

Palate

More sherry-like flavours but with plenty of carbonation. There's a dark malt smoothness behind and sweet, peppery cola notes, too.

Finish

After a burning swallow, more sweet cola, becoming slightly herbal as hops stay the course and eventually just take over.

Comment

A big, attention grabbing stout, but perhaps a touch too sweet and with too much alcohol floating about – something that is exacerbated by the level of carbonation.

By Robert Millichamp

Nose

An up front sweet syrupy-like aroma presents roast malts and intense sultana and prune like notes. Some woody notes hang in the background.

Palate

Intensely assertive warming alcohols dominate and build into a bitter sweet palate alongside prunes, banana and coffee.

Finish

Almost spirit-like with warming alcohols dominating over rich woody fruit and smoky notes.

Comment

A definite sipper with a spectrum of warming alcohol and rich fruity flavours.