Squatters Black Forest Schwarzbier (Bottled 6%)
Utah Brewers Cooperative

 

 

 

This is a creamy and sweeter sort of Schwarbier. Dark and charred but malty, more like a Doppelbock. Actually it's a nice blend of the styles. Thicker and richer than the usual Schwarz. Lots of roasted grain and a sweet caramel finish.

There's a little hoppy edge in the aromatics but not much bitterness. Toasty with some candy taste. Totally drinkable and it seems stronger than it is. From the Utah State Liquor Store in Sugar House.

this is a style of beer i dont think we make enough of as a country here in the united states. it is so versatile and allows for a ton of flavor variation, im surprised more brewers havent played with it. this is a nice take, and i think the rebranding of squatters and these new packages will help them immensely. looks like a thin brown ale, less black than other takes on the schwarzbier ive had. it isnt hurting for dark malt depth though, as the roast and a fruity almost raisin character are both there in nose and taste. i get some odd spice too, black pepper and clove or something, its mild, but its there, giving this a real defined flavor all of its own. not sure if its lagered or not, probably should be to call it this, but it doesnt have much lager characteristics. i get none of the yeast either way, and the finish is pretty long and residual for a mature lager. still, the flavors are great, the beer is unique, and its a style i just dont get to drink enough of. very well done again by these guys.

 

Enjoy By: 1/8/2015

Pours a very nice black color, very nice carbonation, with a nice one-finger creamy tan head, with some nice sticky lacing left behind. The nose is big and malty, with some nice notes of chocolate, toffee, caramel. The taste is very nice malty, with lots of the dark stuff. Medium body, with a slightly dry/bitter finish. Overall a very tasty brew, would buy again.

They were out of the Black Forest on tap, so I had a 12 oz brown bottle.

Poured into a pint glass, the beer is dark brown with a skim of tan head.

It has an aroma of toasty malts.

The taste is malt centric with medium roast. It's balanced and a bit sweet. There is just a hint of wood smoke mid glass.

I think the beer hits the style notes and is a decent example.