This has aged, so it's hard to tell what it was like young, but my impression is that this is a lot smoother than other anniversary Black Buttes I've had. Thinner too, in body and flavor, making the cranberry and pomegranate tartness and fruitiness a lot more prominent. In fact, I'd call this a fruit beer first (though a profound one), and dark beer second. Other notes: mild chocolate, not too sweet.