Pours warm brown with hues of red. The generously tall and creamy tan head takes some time to sink into nice lacings.

Dry; black coffee, dark chocolate and faint vanilla. Caramell malt, roasted, holding some sweetness. It was surprisingly malty for Sierra Nevada. Rich smooth coffee and dark bitter chocolate flavors are in there as well.. Hops but far from the powerful American-style as Sierra Nevada usually use; very mild citric and piney notes. Body is full while carbonation is held back. The aftertaste is long and almost like what you would expect from an ESB. This was a pleasent surprise from Sierra Nevada where their hops usually take over the whole experience. This is perfect for crisp fall evenings around a bonfire or those last few weekends at the lake where fleece jackets and sweatshirts give way to the cold night air. This will be a must and it is unfortunate this the only true seasonal they put out.