Excellent Russian Imperial contract brewed by High Point Brewery (makers of fine Ramstein wheat beers) holds its own against heavy competition. Persistent dried-fruited roasted chocolate malts gain brown-sugared maple molasses sweetness that envelops sticky anise, chocolate liqueur, chicory coffee, vanilla bean and clove illusions. Minor burnt oak dryness evens out thick-bodied ebony-hued stout. Brewery defunct: 2016.