I served this beer at 57 degrees in a snifter to help bring out the flavor and allow it to breath and release the coffee notes.

Initial Nose: Smooth and somewhat mellow coffee notes with a hint of a great cup of coffee.

Initial Taste: Interesting! The label is spot on with the description of a strong taste and even stronger aroma. Unfortunately, my nose is NOT 100% but I do detect a great aroma. I think serving this beer in the range of 60 to 65 degrees would bring out stronger coffee aromas and a potentially smoother more flavorful ride across the palate.

For the price of $15.00 a bottle, this is NOT a daily drinking beer, but best reserved for cold winter nights sitting beside the fire with a good book or listening to Thelonious Monk.

Pairings: I think a dark chocolate would go great with this beer and perhaps that is all due to the complexities of this unique beer. This may be one of those beers that is best left alone and enjoyed with a clean palate.

Yes, this was shot inside my custom-made shower; I thought it made a nice backdrop for the bottle and color of the beer. Had I done this in the afternoon I would have made the shot outside in the snow.