Surly Damien Child of Darkness Ale

The Surly Brewing Company originated in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and now also has a destination brewery in Minneapolis. This black IPA is made using the second runnings of Darkness, their annual special Russian Imperial Stout release. How do you like the creepy doll face on the bottle? 

The beer pours black, with a half-inch of thick, somewhat creamy light tan head. The aroma is dark roast, light char, light black licorice, and a bit of dark chocolate. The taste follows the aromas, but is heightened, more flavor than aroma, with the char bumped up a notch. There is a light note on the finish of dark fruits. The finish is mostly dry, with a moderate bitterness. The beer drinks nice and smooth, with a refreshing tingling of tight, intense bubbles. This is a really nice cascadian ale.