Tohu

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet-brown to near-black with a burnished rim, revealing the wine-like character promised in the name. The head is modest but persistent, building fine carbonation trails along the glass. Clarity is obscured by the density of color, though light shows a viscous, oily coat typical of high-gravity brews.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with dark roasted grain—espresso and cocoa powder—layered beneath dried stone fruits and fig compote. Toffee and molasses round the mid-palate aromatics, while a subtle boozy warmth threads through without sharpness. The roast dominates the entry, but fig and raisin emerge on closer inspection, speaking to the barley wine foundation.

◐ Taste

The palate is thick and mouth-coating from the first sip, delivering roasted malt and dark chocolate at the core. Dried stone fruits and caramel sweetness push through mid-palate, balanced by bitter cocoa solids and a subtle roasted char rather than hoppy bite. The sweetness persists without cloying, held in check by the dry, almost burnt character from the imperial stout half.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and layered, with dark fruit and bitter cocoa lingering side by side. A warming, slightly drying quality extends the aftertaste, leaving cocoa tannin and a faint molasses echo.