Calumet Dark
Rowland's Calumet Brewery

On tap at Rowland's Calumet in Chilton, WI.

Black with brownish edges, tan foam that forms a nice collar around the edges. Minimal spotty lace sticks inside the glass.

Dry roasty aroma, black malt on display with some lingering trace sweetness.

Mellow and smooth feel, lightly bitter and dry in the aftertaste. Roasted malt lends some toastiness and coffee traces, it's simple but still has just enough nuance to keep you drinking. Light bodied and highly drinkable. This is pretty much the best stateside prototype of the Munich Dunkel Lager (that i've tried anyway). After 8000+ barrels brewed at Rowland's Calumet since 1990, I think they have perfected this one thing, and it's golden.

a:dark brown in color with a light head

smell and taste: mostly black malts with an undertone of roasted barley giving just the slightest dry roast in the finish, a touch of dry chocolate comes in late, moderately sweet with a benign hop presence

m: carbonation around medium with a light-medium body, a little heavy in the aftertaste

d: limited to one...not the most drinkable of the style by far

pint at the Old Fashioned in Madison, WI

Sampled at the brewpub as part of the sampler tray. The pour is deep brown in color, topped with a small deep brown head containing slight carbonation. The nose is roasty with a hint of coffee however there is a lurking yeastiness to it. Flavor and mouthfeel are both light, but the flavor carries a big malt sweetness and finishes up with a big long sweet aftertaste.

This brew pours a creamy head of fine mostly lasting bubbles that left a good lacing and a light brown colored semi-opaque body. It has a malty alcohol aroma. It started out very smooth and somewhat flat then later ended in a tingly mouthfeel. Another sample of this brew may be in order due to the flatness noted.

Acquired a sealed bottle of this one via trade. I was thinking it would be a long time before I got to try this because I guessed I would have to pay for a growler and shipping, and I have heard wonderful things about this beer. Anyway I can tell this beer has potential but I don't think it travels well. Pours a dark raisin color with a very thin off-white head. Aroma of raspberry creme, and some malt and vinegar. Character was somewhat flat and thin, with flavors of malt, caramel, and milk chocolate. However the flavors were all very subdued. I'd like to try a fresher sample someday, but I am glad I finally got to try this!