Intuition Ale Works revealed the label design today for its first bottled beer: Underdark. Underdark is an Imperial Stout aged in oak barrels for a distinctly oaky and full-bodied flavor. The beer pours inky-black into a brandy snifter with a pleasing light brown head. The aroma is laced with bourbon, coffee, and anise, while the flavor fully develops the bourbon notes and reveals a strong hop kick and lingering toffee and vanilla notes.

When the brew was first introduced last year, reviewers in BeerAdvocate.com were quick to rave about its virtues. “Absolutely outstanding,” proclaims one reviewer. “I hope this one comes back,” exclaims another.

The label portrays an evil-looking octopus lurking in a dark cavern and guarding a jeweled goblet. The text on the side tells a tale of dark allure and daring do:

“Legends tell us of the Underdark, a vast dark and dangerous place where few brave souls have journeyed, and from which even fewer have returned.

Journeying through the unforgiving terrain where cruel creatures lurk within the dark caves is not for the faint of heart and neither is this drink. It is for the brave who journey fearlessly into the dark void to battle true darkness.

Let the mead halls forever echo with the sounds of praise for the survivors who dared travel the Underdark.”

The sinister and darkly disturbing label was designed by Chad Landenberger. The brew is expected to be available in bottles mid-January after the Federal approval process is completed for the label.