UPDATED: MAR 1, 2021 Caramel, molasses and coffee accompany dates and figs in an olfactory sprinkled with alcohol. Black and opaque liquid covered with a creamy and persistent mocha foam. A thinner-than-average texture and body brings intense roasting elements reminiscent of strong coffee and dark chocolate. The finish presents us with a good roasting bitterness with a slight presence of alcohol. A few peppery notes, earthy hops and light black fruits complete the whole thing. The texture and lack of body influence the complexity of malt flavours. Carbonation is also slightly more active than average. Slight lack of character with a complexity below average. Good to taste but rather standard as Imperial Stout. Caramel, mélasse et café accompagnent des esters de dattes et de figues dans un olfactif saupoudré d’alcool. Liquide noir et opaque recouvert d’une mousse moka bien crémeuse et persistante. Une texture et un corps plus mince que la moyenne nous amène des éléments de torréfaction intenses rappelant le café fort et le chocolat noir. La finale nous présente une bonne amertume de torréfaction assortie d’une légère présence d’alcool. Quelques notes poivrées, des houblons terreux et de légers fruits noirs complètent le tout. La texture et le manque de corps influencent la complexité des saveurs de malt. La carbonatation est également un peu plus active que la moyenne. Léger manque de caractère avec une complexité en deçà de la moyenne. Bonne au gout mais plutôt standard comme Stout Impériale. O :8.725 V :4.75 G :6.1 B :2.25 O :13.9 T :35.725

UPDATED: JUL 11, 2020 A deep dark stout with a thin brown head. In aroma, bitter chocolate with vanilla, alcohol warmth, very nice. In mouth, a nice sweet chocolate malt with dark fruits, licorice, alcohol warmth, very nice. Bottle.

UPDATED: DEC 22, 2019 Bottle from LCBO. Rich chocolate coffee aroma. Same notes in the taste, with light dark fruit notes. Bitter and tasty.

UPDATED: OCT 22, 2019 Part of the LCBO Winter 2018-19 Beer Program, I had difficulty getting this one but thanks to a devoted staff, I was able to have some shipped from another store. Quite worth it, very savoury, and it has the taste and complexity of the BBA.

UPDATED: MAR 26, 2019 Very dark pour. Almost black. Slightly amber. Thin pour then rapid carbonation release to quickly produce large, long lasting head. Heavy lacing. Tan, foamy head. Strong chocolate aroma. Mellow flavour with a slight hint of cherry?. Subdued. The 10% abv doesn't overwhelm. A hint of bitterness remains. A slightly smokey flavour seems to come through as the palate adjusts. Over all, an above average choice. I would have liked a bit stronger flavours and I do not like the overly large bottle. If single are available, this would be worth attempting to cellar.

UPDATED: FEB 20, 2019 Pours a black colour with very little highlights that show some ruby-copper. The head is beautiful creamy, mocha-coloured, with great retention and creamy lacing all-around. Roasted malt aromas with dark fruit notes, molasses, nuts and coffee. The taste shows a nice balance of chocolate and coffee, with a nice warming mouthfeel. Roasted malt is left on the tongue. Great label and great Imperial Stout.

UPDATED: FEB 17, 2019 750ml bottle from LCBO. Even slowly, it pours an insanely massive frothing brownish head and has a pitch black appearance. Long lasting retention, leaves some thick sticky, dirty lacing behind. Aromas of dark roasted malts, equally dark chocolate, strong coffee notes, hints of vanilla. Flavors are sweet and chocolatey straight away, followed by the dark roasted malts, cacao nibs, coffee, vanilla. Alcohol is fairly strong but overall doesn't detract from the abundant flavours. Pretty good addition to the Russian stout types.

UPDATED: DEC 30, 2018 750 ml bottle from the LCBO. Pours a nearly black colour with modest-sized light tan head. Aroma is anise, roast and coffee. Flavour has loads of licorice with coffee and some roast. Body verging on full. Nice.