Black Magic pours jet-black with a massive brown crown that lingers for a long time. Slightly heavy on alcohol, the aroma is hot and tingly on the nose, though nutty and chocolate qualities do muscle through. Its flavor, while full and stoutlike, is slightly disjointed, beginning with a very sweet, burnt sugary taste that quickly takes a 180-degree turn to bitter, roasted coffee notes. Powerful and palatable, the flavors are excellent, even if they do not blend seamlessly -- a few months in the cellar will round out and blend the tastes. It is a decidedly full-bodied brew, highly carbonated and alcohol-heavy. Black Magic finishes dry with lingering toasted nut aftertaste and sherrylike warmth that settles into the chest.
