Firemans Brew Brunette

The beers of Firemans Brew are brewed in Ukiah, California (indicates contract brewed by Mendocino Brewing Company). The brews were devised by two firefighters, and a portion of the profits are donated to causes that aid firefighters. 

The 8.0% ABV beer pours near black in appearance, a very dark brown and ruby when held to the light. There is a short and thin head of light brown foam. The aroma is sweet, milky and dark roasted, throwing off dark chocolate and mocha. The taste follows the aromas, and it has the sweetness of dark, raw sugar. The finish is fairly bitter and turns dry, nearly balancing the ample sweetness. It is both light and full at the same time, with an underlying tingling carbonation. Not boozy at all for its relatively high ABV. The sweetness took me aback at first, but then it balanced out as the glass progressed.