Dunkler Stern
The Alchemist Pub & Brewery

Beer Geek Stats
From:
The Alchemist Pub & Brewery
 
Vermont, United States
Style:
Schwarzbier
ABV:
5.2%
Score:
Needs more ratings
Avg:
4.26 | pDev: 10.33%
Reviews:
3
Ratings:
4
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Nov 22, 2011
Added:
Feb 23, 2008
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
A delicious dark ale inspired by the schwartzbiers of Germany.

30 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by ThirstyBird:
Photo of ThirstyBird
Reviewed by ThirstyBird from California

4.08/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On cask..
Appears near opaque with a reddish highlight. Big lumpy tan head falls to a blanket.
Smells sweet malt, bready
Tastes dark sweet malt, a little cocoa, dry crisp aftertaste.
Smooth and silky. Medium body.
Very tasty and approachable brew. So good that I had a second!
Sep 04, 2010
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 5 by Pamola from Vermont

Nov 22, 2011
Photo of Kegatron
Reviewed by Kegatron from Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On cask, via handpump, @ the Alchemist (Waterbury, VT) on 9/24/10. Served in a pint glass.

Pours a dark brown in the glass, with a ½ finger of creamy light mocha colored head. This retains with a smooth richness that absolutely DRENCHES the sides of the glass with thick foamy rings. The aroma is roasty and sweet smelling, with toffee and light burnt notes that are putting off an almost brown sugar like flavor in the nose. Earthy green hops and a fairly strong spice presence add some layers to this.

The taste is rich with cocoa and caramel flavor up front and (much like the aroma) is given an almost burnt sugary molasses feel once those roasted malts kicks it into high gear. Some green fruity citrus here work two-fold, adding both some extra bitter notes to this as well as a touch of extras sweet balancing nature. The finish is very dry with notes of spice and a bit of leftover bitter rind. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, with a wonderfully smooth and creamy feel from the cask that also manages to carry just enough crispness to zing the mouth with flavor.

This was pretty darn tasty take on the Schwarzbier style and I think that the cask conditioning really opened up the flavors here to a degree that I didn't really expect. Lots of sweetness and fruit are presnt but the roast and hops weren't ignored either and the smooth and crisp feel really kept things moving. It's nice to see them take this one out of retirement. It was good.
Sep 27, 2010
Photo of Brad007
Reviewed by Brad007 from Vermont

3.85/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Color: Dark reddish brown with a one finger head.

Aroma: Sweet and malty with a mild hop finish.

Taste: Malty and smooth. Light mouthfeel. Somewhat sweet and lightly chewy. Drinkable.

Verdict: A decent and drinkable beer. I didn't see too much that stood out other than this. A good beer to start with if it's your first time at the Alchemist.
Feb 23, 2008
Dunkler Stern from The Alchemist Pub & Brewery
Beer rating: 4.26 out of 5 with 4 ratings