Samuel Adams Black Lager

LOC: Boston, Massachusetts ABV: 4.9% | IBUS: 19 | SRM: N/A

What the brewer says

“Literally translated as ‘black beer,’ schwarzbier is one of the oldest and most traditional German beer styles. Dating back to around 800 BCE, this dark, roasty beer combines caramel and chocolate malt notes with a bright flavor and crisp finish.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Moderate rich bread crust with moderately low chocolate, coffee, and bready. Low roast and very low caramel malt. No hops, very clean.” Flavor: “Rich bread-crust melanoidin malt character comes through more in the flavor, which has moderate sweetness and low bitterness. Low levels of herbal and grassy hops also come through in the flavor. Molasses, peat smoke, chocolate-coated orange, bread crust, and stewed prunes. Clean lager fermentation characteristics give it a clean finish with a hint of roasted malt and smoke without being harsh and smoky or peaty. Light body overall.” Overall: “Malt-forward with very light hops character in the flavor. Rich but balanced. Very drinkable and tasty beer.”

AROMA: 11 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 20 MOUTHFEEL: 5 OVERALL: 10

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