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Sapporo Premium Black Beer
Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
- From:
- Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
- Japan
- Style:
- European Dark Lager
Ranked #31 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 83
Ranked #24,272 - Avg:
- 3.64 | pDev: 13.19%
- Reviews:
- 54
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 08, 2024
- Added:
- Oct 13, 2014
- Wants:
- 8
- Gots:
- 30
Crafted with roasted dark malts and a refined hop bitterness that is complemented by a sweet, round fullness and distinct coffee and chocolate flavors with an uncommonly smooth finish.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mpenske:
Rated by mpenske from California
3.5/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Feb 27, 2015
3.5/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Feb 27, 2015
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by kevofficiel from Canada (QC)
3.68/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.68/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Sapporo Black Lager, I think its the new name for it.
Bought a 4, 473 ml pack for 13,99$
Look: Brownish, ruby colour on the light. A lace of white head. Lots of bubble going up.
Smell: Chocolate coffee, malty aroma,
Taste: About the same as the smell but very light on the tongue.
Feel: Medium body, heavy carbonation on the forefront, easy drinking, very smooth, feels like a 4% beer.
So overall would i recommend it ? Sure, its a well made beer, much better than the original lager.
Would I buy it again ? Not really, the high carbonation on the forefront is a bit of a turn off, washing away the aroma that I got on the smell.
Mar 08, 2024Bought a 4, 473 ml pack for 13,99$
Look: Brownish, ruby colour on the light. A lace of white head. Lots of bubble going up.
Smell: Chocolate coffee, malty aroma,
Taste: About the same as the smell but very light on the tongue.
Feel: Medium body, heavy carbonation on the forefront, easy drinking, very smooth, feels like a 4% beer.
So overall would i recommend it ? Sure, its a well made beer, much better than the original lager.
Would I buy it again ? Not really, the high carbonation on the forefront is a bit of a turn off, washing away the aroma that I got on the smell.
Reviewed by mlemieux85 from Canada (ON)
4.47/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.47/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Great offering from Sapporo. Lots of carbonation, but great aroma and nice dark malt taste. I think the coffee and chocolate flavors complement each other great. Overall, much more interesting brew compared to their standard line.
Jan 22, 2024Rated by paylstep from Canada (ON)
1.63/5 rDev -55.2%
look: 2 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2
1.63/5 rDev -55.2%
look: 2 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2
heavy carbonation upon first taste
Jan 06, 2024Reviewed by mactrail from Washington
3.63/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.63/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Very dark reddish brown with a nice pile of froth in the Troubadour tulip. Somehow I find it difficult to get any aroma from this stuff. Taking a gulp, this is sudsy and mouth-filling. Flavor is quite roasted but not burnt tasting like a Stout. Some caramel and a little malty sweetness. There does not seem to be any actual hop flavor, but a faint vegetal note. Overall this is quite a pleasant dark brew for a tall quaff. From the 22 oz can purchased at the supermarket. "Product of Vietnam" says the label.
Dec 21, 2023Reviewed by Cathartes from Massachusetts
3.17/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75
3.17/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a very very dark brown, almost black with a 1.5 finger head.
Not much of an aroma for me, I got mostly beer in general and a little metal can.
Initial taste is slightly sharp on the sides of the tongue with no hoppiness and low bitterness, roasted malts making themselves known in the aftertaste. Not much in the way of apparent specific tastes.
Overall very thin and not great mouthfeel, although still easy to drink.
A step or two up from macrobrewery status but in the category of an everyday weeknight beer, solid.
Will likely purchase again.
Apr 15, 2023Not much of an aroma for me, I got mostly beer in general and a little metal can.
Initial taste is slightly sharp on the sides of the tongue with no hoppiness and low bitterness, roasted malts making themselves known in the aftertaste. Not much in the way of apparent specific tastes.
Overall very thin and not great mouthfeel, although still easy to drink.
A step or two up from macrobrewery status but in the category of an everyday weeknight beer, solid.
Will likely purchase again.
Reviewed by TheBricenator from Oregon
3.92/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.92/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Look: Brown to black on the pour and a deep ruby red in the glass with a silky-looking khaki head that settles to a lid and leaves decent lacing behind
Aroma: Light roast, fresh-from-the-oven brown bread, earthiness, slight charred notes, and wafts of nuttiness
Taste: Nutty notes and roast come on strong upon the initial sip and develop quickly as earthy notes follow close behind. Rich, dark bready malt and some char hold the middle before nuttiness, roasted barley, and earthiness close it out
Mouthfeel: Full but light, clean, medium-high carbonation, and smooth and clean on the finish
Overall: I dig it. I’ve always liked regular Sapporo but honestly, had no idea they had a black version until I saw it and so of course, bought it. It reminds me of a sort of hybrid between Negra Modelo and Guinness Draught with a nice roast and nutty notes that is also clean drinking and with a smooth finish. Tasty stuff
Apr 03, 2023Aroma: Light roast, fresh-from-the-oven brown bread, earthiness, slight charred notes, and wafts of nuttiness
Taste: Nutty notes and roast come on strong upon the initial sip and develop quickly as earthy notes follow close behind. Rich, dark bready malt and some char hold the middle before nuttiness, roasted barley, and earthiness close it out
Mouthfeel: Full but light, clean, medium-high carbonation, and smooth and clean on the finish
Overall: I dig it. I’ve always liked regular Sapporo but honestly, had no idea they had a black version until I saw it and so of course, bought it. It reminds me of a sort of hybrid between Negra Modelo and Guinness Draught with a nice roast and nutty notes that is also clean drinking and with a smooth finish. Tasty stuff
Reviewed by thehyperduck from Canada (ON)
3.73/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
3.73/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
473 mL can from a four-pack purchased at the LCBO; coded Dec 9 2022 and served slightly chilled. Labelled "Sapporo Black Lager" and brewed in Guelph (at Sleeman) for the Canadian market.
Pours a dark, clear cola brown colour, kicking up nearly two fingers of fluffy, foamy, light tan-coloured head that dissipates within three minutes or so. A frothy collar of suds lives on, with a filmy cap remaining in place; some spotty lace has been tossed about, as well. Muted aroma that leans a little to the sweet side - I'm getting caramel, toasted grains and raisin, with just a hint of cocoa.
A serviceable dark lager: not too sweet, though the flavour profile is still malt-forward. Toasted grain, chocolate and caramelized sugars form the bulk of the profile, with lesser hints of dried fruits and earthy hops toward the finish; concludes with a malty cocoa aftertaste that lingers for a moment. Light in body, with assertive carbonation that remains prickly until the end of the session. Sessionable, crisp and refreshing by black lager standards.
Final Grade: 3.73, a B grade. Sapporo Black Lager is not an exciting beer, but for a macro lager, I think it's pretty darn well-made. If this were available in single format - say, those big 22 oz steel cans that I haven't seen around here for a while - I think I'd pick this up on a pretty regular basis. Four-packs are a tougher sell, especially when singles of Budvar/Czechvar Dark are so easy to find these days, but this makes a passable substitute. Worth a look if this is a style you enjoy.
Feb 09, 2023Pours a dark, clear cola brown colour, kicking up nearly two fingers of fluffy, foamy, light tan-coloured head that dissipates within three minutes or so. A frothy collar of suds lives on, with a filmy cap remaining in place; some spotty lace has been tossed about, as well. Muted aroma that leans a little to the sweet side - I'm getting caramel, toasted grains and raisin, with just a hint of cocoa.
A serviceable dark lager: not too sweet, though the flavour profile is still malt-forward. Toasted grain, chocolate and caramelized sugars form the bulk of the profile, with lesser hints of dried fruits and earthy hops toward the finish; concludes with a malty cocoa aftertaste that lingers for a moment. Light in body, with assertive carbonation that remains prickly until the end of the session. Sessionable, crisp and refreshing by black lager standards.
Final Grade: 3.73, a B grade. Sapporo Black Lager is not an exciting beer, but for a macro lager, I think it's pretty darn well-made. If this were available in single format - say, those big 22 oz steel cans that I haven't seen around here for a while - I think I'd pick this up on a pretty regular basis. Four-packs are a tougher sell, especially when singles of Budvar/Czechvar Dark are so easy to find these days, but this makes a passable substitute. Worth a look if this is a style you enjoy.
Reviewed by LiquidAmber from Washington
3.93/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.93/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured into a Reuben's Brew pint glass. Pours a dark orange red with a two finger khaki head with great retention and solid lacing; looks rather good. Aroma of light toasted malt, cocoa and a touch of caramel. Flavor follows, with light to moderate toasted malt, cocoa, coffee, light caramel and a little dried dark fruit. Cocoa and coffee finish. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess and sharp carbonation. I have had quite a few Sapporo lagers over the years, but never recall any of them being memorable. This one is a pleasant surprise, though. This is a nicely made European dark lager. The flavor is somewhat dialed back, which I expect from a big, widely distributed brand, but the profile is spot-on and pleasant. A light over-carbonation to my taste. Not one of my go-to styles, and lighter than I prefer, but well made and flavorful enough for the ABV. I'll remember this one if I get stuck in a non-craft beer desert overseas. Cool looking can.
Nov 23, 2022Reviewed by NorsemanOne from Utah
3.95/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.95/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22oz can poured in a glass
$3.50 from a local grocer
Pours deep black with a loose tan head that dissipates quickly
Roasty and malty nose
Malt and hop forward, with a nice roasty grain and smooth finish
overall, a great beer and much better than regular sapporo imo
Nov 11, 2022$3.50 from a local grocer
Pours deep black with a loose tan head that dissipates quickly
Roasty and malty nose
Malt and hop forward, with a nice roasty grain and smooth finish
overall, a great beer and much better than regular sapporo imo
Reviewed by Reidrover from Oregon
3.94/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.94/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Lovely crafted 22oz can , purchased from Safeway in West Salem Oregon.
$3.50
Lovely looking beer, poured into my British Imperial mug, Black body with an attractive tan head.
Aroma is mainly malts., some toasted. I enjoy malts, so scored higher.
Taste 50% cacao chocolate, floral hops and richer caramel. Lovely really.
Nice smooth mouth feel that isn't to sticky in the end. Liked.
Overall, a really nice Sunday night beer. No flaws.
Oct 31, 2022$3.50
Lovely looking beer, poured into my British Imperial mug, Black body with an attractive tan head.
Aroma is mainly malts., some toasted. I enjoy malts, so scored higher.
Taste 50% cacao chocolate, floral hops and richer caramel. Lovely really.
Nice smooth mouth feel that isn't to sticky in the end. Liked.
Overall, a really nice Sunday night beer. No flaws.
Reviewed by MaltsOfGlory from Oregon
3.67/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
3.67/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
22oz can, bought from Freddies - and it's a year old, jesus
Pours two fingers of dense light brown head into my Willi glass. Retention is average, and the head fades within a couple of minutes, leaving a nice sliver of foam. Initial lacing looks very nice. Body is black with some brown hues around the edges. Looks great so far.
Nose is odd. Not really any dominant aromas, some bitter roast - slightly astringent. Faint chocolate. I guess this is ok. Likely oxidized.
The flavor isn’t terribly oxidized, but there are remnants of sweet malt extract. Could be worse, there are some nice creamy chocolate notes here.
Carbonation is medium-high. On the lighter side, but has some body. Definitely a small malty sweetness, but finishes clean and attenuated. Bitterness is low. Overall a solid mouthfeel - balanced.
Drinkability is very high.
Appearance turned out pretty nice, good lacing.
Despite the slight oxidation, the beer performs pretty well. The chocolate starts to take over as the beer warms, and makes for a pretty enjoyable brew. More of a dessert beer than a traditional black lager, but they have to make it approachable I guess?
Jul 17, 2022Pours two fingers of dense light brown head into my Willi glass. Retention is average, and the head fades within a couple of minutes, leaving a nice sliver of foam. Initial lacing looks very nice. Body is black with some brown hues around the edges. Looks great so far.
Nose is odd. Not really any dominant aromas, some bitter roast - slightly astringent. Faint chocolate. I guess this is ok. Likely oxidized.
The flavor isn’t terribly oxidized, but there are remnants of sweet malt extract. Could be worse, there are some nice creamy chocolate notes here.
Carbonation is medium-high. On the lighter side, but has some body. Definitely a small malty sweetness, but finishes clean and attenuated. Bitterness is low. Overall a solid mouthfeel - balanced.
Drinkability is very high.
Appearance turned out pretty nice, good lacing.
Despite the slight oxidation, the beer performs pretty well. The chocolate starts to take over as the beer warms, and makes for a pretty enjoyable brew. More of a dessert beer than a traditional black lager, but they have to make it approachable I guess?
Sapporo Premium Black Beer from Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
Beer rating:
83 out of
100 with
128 ratings
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