Precariously labeled an ‘old ale,’ this chocolate-flavored moderation (6% ABV despite equally misguided strong ale appellation) needs to increase its sweet ‘n sour cocoa-dried brown chocolate spicing and Madagascan bourbon vanilla influence. Instead, the watered-down flavor profile remains distant. Whimsical molasses, toffee and port notes never fully integrate. And its mildly coarsened hop toasting becomes a tad phenol.
