Schwarzbier
Holgate Brewhouse / Keatings Hotel

This was a Father's Day present in September 2025 that I drank in November of that year.

L: In the glass, the beer is a dark ruby red, heading towards black. There's a persistent, fluffy, mocha-coloured head. I can't see any bubbles through the darkness. All up, a classic dark lager profile.

S: Upon pouring, the nose is neutral, with perhaps the slightest touch of minerality. I'll come back to it once it has warmed up a bit... Ok, I'm back. There's a dark chocolate and smooth cola note on the nose as it warms.

T: Tastewise, there's black bread, crusts, a touch of vanilla, some dark chocolate, that mineral note I got from the nose, and a red fruit, cola-type vibe in there too that increases as the beer warms. As always, I clarify that last statement by saying I'm pretty much the only one I know who picks up berries and cola in dark beer, so everyone else's mileage may vary. Bitterness is very mild, and of the earthy type, but very quickly overtaken by the berries and cola. The finish is long and sweet, a counterpoint to the crispness of the profile leading up to it.

M: The body of the beer is on the thick side for a lager. Carbonation is minimal, and carbonic bite is almost non-existent.

O: This is a nice beer. The sweetness of the finish contrasts with the flavours of black bread and chocolate at the beginning. As the beer warms, the sweetness becomes more pronounced, but it never becomes overly sweet or makes the beer a chore to drink.

Cheers!
#758