My daughter, Ryan and family arrived from Texas for the holiday with intense storms around us. They were here only 20 minutes and we have lost power. Not stopping Ryan and I from enjoying some beer together. Photo is taken using a flashlight. This North Carolina breakfast stout was given to me by a friend. Poured from the can with almost no head. Swirled it in the snifter glass and still nothing. Heavy, thick texture that left a coating in the mouth but still wasn't sticky. It's both soft and creamy. Flavors were intensified. Vanilla, strong coffee and a deep roasted malt were the initial characteristics. As it travels into the finish it adds a strong cocoa chocolate that continues its presence in the taste buds. This Brew does not hide it's 11% alcohol. It begins gently and grows toward the finish where it starts to warm the back of the throat and then moves down the body. Not overwhelming just the right amount to balance out the other intense flavors. Sometimes simple is really good. This has intense flavors that starts with vanilla, adds coffee, lots of malt that gives it that chocolate characteristic and a good punch of alcohol. Not complicated, or so it seems. Very well balanced and I recommend it.