Smooth and mildly creamed cocoa-headed mahogany body may lack richness of bolder competition, but not by much. Typical Imperial Stout template unfolds as oats-flaked dark chocolate malting and descending coffee bean bittering welcome softer stylistic sentiment. Mild anise influence dries out to ancillary Blackstrap molasses and Baker’s chocolate riffs. On tap at Doherty’s, smoked chocolate overtones pick up creme brulee, espresso and anise illusions as well as ephemeral black cherry wisps.