Surly 1349 Black Ale

This black ale brewed with Ethiopian coffee and blackstrap molasses is from the Surly Brewing Company of Brooklyn Center (and now Minneapolis), Minnesota. It was brewed in collaboration with Lervig Brewery of Norway, and takes its name from the Norwegian metal band 1349.  

The beer pours black. There is a tall, thick, foamy head of dark khaki. The aroma is coffee, chocolate, with light cinnamon and black licorice. There is a tang of fruity hops in the background. The taste is an absolute blast of deep, dark espresso, incredibly dark and rich. There is dark chocolate, dark fruits, and an herbal note. It is like eating a dark roasted espresso bean covered in dark chocolate along with a ripe dark cherry also covered in dark chocolate. The beer drinks smooth and round with a light tingle of carbonation.