Draught pint at the brewpub on 3/12/06 with Muzzlehatch
Extremely dark mahogany/ebony colored body, which does settle out with some clarity, though not transparent, with deep maple-brown hues and a bit of chartreuse on the edges. Tan head is well-retained and of medium size, providing light lacing.
The nose gives off a light chocolate milk note, followed by anise, raisins and some moderately drying hay on the end. Very creamy, with only an oiliness up front, that is fully subsumed by the sweet, but not heavy malts.
The flavor starts out with a dash of anise and chocolate-honey and quickly a grapey, vinous roast enters the mix, really spoiling the delicate chocolate-honey thing it has going. However, it’s very short lived. Whatever the offender, the palate becomes accustomed to it even before the end of the first sip. Quickly, grainy barley, a fair amount of German hop spiciness and only a light and very dry coffee note round out the flavor. Further sips really delve in to the hop dryness, with a rugged, yet crisp flavor that mixes well with the delicate chocolate and honey. Light yeast is apparent on the end, adding a rewarding fresh element to the beer which really makes the fresh tasting hops shine. I first thought, "A dark pils? What the hell is that??" And though Barry said it was just their name for their schwarzbier, I don’t feel like this one was much like the schwarzbiers I’ve had. Very delicate, much more attenuated and less roast and heavy chocolate driven than most I’ve had. What it does remind me of, is my first experience with schwarzbier, the charming Kostrizer. Texture is lightly fluffy, without being thin, while no alcohol is apparent and carbonation is medium.