SN 12/31: Darkest wash since "fire" batches of last year

After sticking with WGN since the middle of January or so, I've decided to bite the bullet and give SN another go. Recent reviews have indicated that more recent batches may be back up to what they were last year. I ordered a 2# bag from the river. It arrived today, dated 12/31.

Not only are the seeds sticky, but the wash is one of the darkest I have ever seen. It almost looked like orange pekoe tea. The bitterness was strong as well, even compared to the decent WGN batches I have been getting.

Please be careful.