Dark brown to black color, may be garnet-like. Clarity may be difficult to discern in such a dark beer. Head retention should be moderate to good. Overall flavor may finish from medium sweet to dry, depending on grist composition, hop bittering level, and attenuation. May have a sharp character from dark roasted grains.
Hop flavor varies widely.
Diacetyl moderate to none. Medium to medium-full bodied. Low to moderate carbonation. A precursor to stout. Said to have been favored by porters and other physical laborers.