Beer Review: Black Damnation IV (Coffee Club)

Reviewing the Black Damnation IV (Coffee Club) from De Struise Brouwers.
Score: 87

Unknown vintage bottle served in a Stella Artois chalice and enjoyed on 08/08/12.

Appearance: Pours the color of black coffee with a finger of creamy milk chocolate/mocha colored head that settles into a ring around the glass. Average lacing and retention with an oily cling. 4/5

Smell: Black coffee, cocoa, sweet raisin and alcohol. A little syrupy brown sugar aroma and roast too. 3.5/5

Taste: Milk chocolate, roasted coffee, and brown sugar. Sweet dark fruit flavor and a hint of creamy vanilla. A light metallic alcohol flavor in the finish that seems to fade out as the beer warms/layers. Lingering coffee flavor. The flavor is not boozy, which is surprising given the nose. 3.75/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, low carbonation. Syrupy mouthfeel. Sweet finish. 4/5

Overall: A really solid tasting stout that is overpriced and overrated for it's rarity.

Recommendation: Stick with De Struise's Black Albert. It is easier to find and substantially tastier (albeit without the coffee flavor).

Pairings: Pound cake.

Cost: $12 for an 11.2 oz bottle.