Dogs of War: Swiss Guard Sighthound 2023
Torrside Brewing

Blind-tasted excl. brewery/name/ABV%
L- Looked like it would form minimal head but raising the pour a few inches coaxed out 3-4mm of mid-tan foam that lingered quite a while. Jet back, even held up right in front of a halogen bulb.
S- Roasty-toasty with a small note of whisky. ... Plus what seems to be an minor outright alcohol note.
T- Woof indeed, deep coffee, heavy charring... a very pungent taste indeed. The hops themselves aren't at the forefront but I can feel their notable dry-lick across my palate.
F- CO2 in the mouth is modest, though that's unsurprising at 9%. Besides there is 'so much else going on' it matters a lot less. It is a big and powerful beer, but the background heavy hopping brings balance. Notably it's a little rich (needs to be to carry the ABV) but is not sweet at all. As long as you start it chilled. If this were sweet/er I reckon it might be OTT for me, It's a big hitter, and ideal winter-warmer, a slow-sippin' beer that's made for sharing.
O- Very refined considering the significant ABV% and quite thumping taste. Lovely balance. c250ml down and finishing a 750ml certainly feels a bit more than expected. Quite a treat, though I'd wish to share another bottle.
Rated/reviewed now to look at the labelling...
Bottle #114/120 BB: 09/04/2034. Aged in bourbon barrels. Bought from Trembling Madness, York.

Bottled and bottled condenitioned and purchased from Torrside themselves
Pours a jet black body with fantastic tan head
Aroma cocoa and treacle
Flavour is cigar leaves and figs snd