I've had this a few times now and I'm not really sure what to classify it as. The brewer says a German Black Ale but, what is that, exactly? It strikes me as somewhat like a schwarzbier and porter, but not either of them, really. Ah well. It's a very dark brown with a light tan head. Aroma is toasted, a bit of biscuit, some near chocolate and roasted notes, but not in a stout kind of way. Much more toned down in that regard. It had a light background sweetness along with some earthy hop notes. A supremely drinkable dark ale.