Mood Lighting
Fort George Brewery + Public House

16oz can

Pours two fingers of dense tan head into my Willi. Retention is fantastic, despite the fizzy head. Lacing is nice. Body is basically black. Looks great.

Nose seems dry, with heavy minerality and carbonic acid. Roast and chocolate hiding underneath. Smells decent once the head dies down.

Flavor definitely leans on the roast, but it’s not overbearing by any means. There is a dash of chocolate to balance. Relatively light profile. Tastes nice.

Carbonation is medium. Somewhat light-bodied. A touch of sweetness. Finishes with a moderate lingering bitter malt / hop character. Altogether the mouthfeel is well-balanced, but it leaves a drier, bitter impression.

Drinkability is decent.

Overall a somewhat light flavor, with a bitter finish. Can get a little abrasive, I don’t have any huge complaints but some sweetness could help the balance. This is a newer style to the states so I’m not as seasoned, but I’ve had sweeter versions and a little sweetness could also help it fit better into the style guidelines.

Look: Chestnut brown on the pour with a lofty beige head that pillows up and holds, slowly cratering away

Aroma: Roasted tree nuts, freshly baked brown bread, raw dough, toffee, lightly toasted bread, and light earthy notes

Taste: Opens up with some dough, which holds the stage for a brief moment until layers of bready malt crash in and take over. Toffee and some roasted tree nuts intermingle throughout, as does light earthiness until it closes with bread and dough

Mouthfeel: Full, smooth, clean, medium-high carbonation, and smooth, clean, and crisp on the finish

Overall: This is some good stuff. I love all dark lagers so jumped at this when I spotted it – even as a single – and glad I did. It’s a tasty and well-made example with a ton of bready malt depth and that awesome smooth and clean feel I love about the style. Recommended

 

16oz can from New Seasons Market. Dark brown pour, fluffy beige head, light lacing. Rich, full roasty aroma, burnt toast. Taste is roasty and bitter, dark chocolate, burnt. This is so good!

 

Opaque dark brown pour, topped with a finger or two of frothy foam. Nose is coffee-like, but nothing about coffee in the web description. Taste is very dry. The beer lacks much body when cold and it improves as the beer warms. The lager does a good job of bringing out the flavors of the malts, including roasted grain and a dark chocolate flavor. Hops are present, but in the background. Overall, a pleasant lager and we'd buy more iif we can. Just 4.7% ABV.