Ol' Rugger
Zaftig Brewing Co.

I am trying this beer off the tapper at The brewery as part of a three sample flight. It poured an opaque dark with tan head that is leaving some lace. The scent had bourbon and molasses notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with sweet maple sugar malt base with bourbon and dark fruit mash presence. The mouthfeel was fuller in body and had good carbonation. Overall it is a solid beer.

8 ball black with a short light tan head settling to a fine collar.

Another relative local that I had to come to Chicago for, this one's intensely woody of oak that almost turns to hickory. Very dry, chewy, and warming. a cacao roast and a toffee toast meet quite the tannin rich cask before a touch of toasted marshmallow softens the pucker.

A complex outcome, to be sure.

12 ounce bottle. 2020 vintage, purchased at the release on November 7th. Served in a Zaftig Ol' Rugger chalice, the beer pours dark brown/black with around a quarter inch tan head that didn't stay around long. Small amount of lacing. I like the aroma, the brew smells like roasted malt, tobacco, dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla and oak. Taste is similar to the aroma, but with the addition of some bourbon, coffee and earthy flavors. Mouthfeel/body is full, it's rich and syrupy with a moderate amount of carbonation. Definitely a sipper! If you're into big imperial stouts then I definitely recommend this one. Lots of flavor and enjoyable to drink!