This stout has an earthy root vegetable and flowery complexity that puts it in quiet contrast with the deeply desserty vibe that so many special release American stouts posses in 2010. A rich ashy bitterness is the foremost flavor sip through swallow, imparting the beer with the dominant characteristics of a sooty Black IPA more than a modern American imperial stout. While this stout is clearly well made in the more Old World style, its dominant and uniform bitterness ultimately leaves my palate wanting for a little more - especially for a premium priced limited release beer.