Schwarz Hacker
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

 

Served from a growler filled at the restaurant (about 20 minutes away) into a pint glass.

Appearance: Transparent dark brown, nearing black, liquid with reddish highlights. Topped by a modest, but sizable, light tan head. Retention is adequate, small flecks of foam were left on the sides of the glass.

Smell: This is not a very powerful smelling beer, but it's been my experience that schwarzbiers aren't supposed to be. Roasted coffee-like aromas and caramelized brown sugars. Faint grassy hop aroma.

Taste: Semi-sweet mocha and browned sugars are the main factors in the taste. Nicely balanced between the two. Mild amount of bitterness, either from the roasted malt or from light hopping. Again, not a 2x4 to the palate, just like it should be.

Mouthfeel: Light, but not too light. A nice happy medium between a pale fizzy lager and a stout. About the same heft as a brown or mild ale. Nicely carbonated.

Drinkability: Pretty damn drinkable. Great session beer. I've filled my growler with this 3 times. Good food beer, too. I'd say this is comparable to Kostricher or Sprecher. Any my local RB is makin' it, who'd'athunk?

This is a fall seasonal at the Rock Bottom Cinicinnati. It is made with other fall seasonals to coincide with Octoberfest Zinzinnati.

This is a nearly black Schwarzbier that is lacking only in the development of a lasting head. It has a good nose that is quite robust and the flavor is very solid. The feel is good although not quite crisp. Overall above average drinkability.