That's it, Wide eyed, that thick raw sugar that's got the rich licorice-y bite to it. I've considered Belgian Dark Candi (going off Mike Tonsmiere's Courage RIS recipe), but given I've got a bit bag of the stuff in my cupboard, I thought I'd use that instead. I'm sure it won't have the same complexity of flavour that the syrup would, but the grain bill I'd be working with I think should add enough depth aside from it.
I like the idea of priming with it. If I give that a go, I'll let you know how it turns out.