I think I'll keep with McKBrew's format for consistency:
Opened with a nice pffsst! Visually evident CO2 settled in the neck.
Poured deep black with a 1/4" thick head that dissipated within a minute. I didn't get a big thick head.....but I've noticed even commercial examples dissipate quickly.
Aroma- Heavy, bready, aroma, with some pronounced raisiny-winey, "high-octane" scent. 12/12
Appearance- Black like oil. Mild-to moderate coating of the glass, small lacing effect noted. No spider legs. 3/3
Flavor- Very basic in pH, almost a bakng-soda like flavor up front. Roasty, biteer flavors of the malt followed. Mild hoppy flavor followed. As with Prof Frink's RIS, I think I might have stored this too cold, and tasted to cold. Totally my bad. A lot of the flavors were restrained, but the beer still had an overall clean taste and was a pleasure to drink. 16/20
Mouthfeel- A bit thin. Not nearly as thick as a sherry, nor as thin as a bud light. I'd put it right in between, though I'd like to have seen it on the heavier side. Most examples of this that I've seen have been thinner in mouthful, perhaps due to a high attenuation? 3/5
Overall Impression.
I really like the beer. I wish I would have let the sample warm up a bit.....I think I was just a bit too eager
.
Positives: Really a good representation of the style. Pretty damn good, very complex considering it was extract. My all-grain RIS and the others I received are right there with it. 8/10
Negatives: I don't know how to describe it, but I got a real strong "basic" baking soda like flavor up front. It was immediately noticeable, and kind of put me off from the start. I noticed this in my own beer, as well as Prof Frink's (other recipient). The only thing I can think of, is that I was getting hit with the alcoholic "twang" first, and not the bready, malty, raisiny flavor/aroma like I would have if I let the beer warm up. I'm currently lagering a German Pils, so I'm keeping the keezer cold @45. I really think I'm just serving these beers too cold to appreciate their full character. That's my fault, not the Brewer's
Overall, 42/50.....and a hellacious packing job