Pilot Batch #932 - American Black Ale
Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.

Pours pitch black and nearly opaque with faint mahogany/chestnut brown edges and a two finger off-white head that quickly settles into a thin, lasting ring. Decent retention with sporadic streaks and spots of soapy lacing left behind.

Somewhat bland aroma, especially where the hop presence is concerned, with subtle earthy resins countered by a robust roasted malt backbone. Some pine needle and fresh cut grass that's quickly overtaken by the dark malts. Slightly smoky with hints of ash, burnt coffee and bitter dark chocolate. Needs a stronger hop presence in the nose and a bit more complexity for my preference.

Medium body with a blast of dry, earthy hop bitterness that lingers over the deeply roasted dark malt backbone into a bone dry finish. The hop presence is much stronger than the nose suggests but it's still pretty one dimensional with overwhelming dry, sticky bitterness. Sticky pine needle, grass and spruce tip without any sweetness balancing things out. Slightly harsh and acrid roasted malt backbone with lots of char, ash and burnt coffee grinds. Again, desperately needs more sweetness. The overly roasted burnt malt flavor just compacts the overwhelming dryness of the hops. There is subtle hints of licorice and dark chocolate but there's too much char with old coffee, burnt toast and oatmeal. Not sure on the ABV but the alcohol is well hidden. Still, the harshness makes it tough to drink.