I think I recognize North Coast now by the smell, maybe I just think I do: something fresh and fruity, even a bit seashore-ish. This is a great take on a dry stout. Dark brown under rich sorta Manila envelope cream rim and foam. In the mouth, soft water with dry roast barley and minty almost eucalyptus hops but also fruitiness - plum and fig. Heck, plum and fig is sorta like prune juice. It's like an old guy's breakfast: burned toast, prune juice and creamy coffee. Maybe some dark chocolate, too...like he nicked some baking chips or something. Very nice. Better than my analogy. 98% BAer approved.