Yebisu Black Beer
Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Lager - European Dark
Ranked #59 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 80
Ranked #43,948 - Avg:
- 3.54 | pDev: 14.41%
- Reviews:
- 31
- Ratings:
- From:
- Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
- Japan
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 7
- Gots
- 10
SCORE
80
Good
80
Good
Notes:
Reviews: 31
| Ratings: 71
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chinchill from South Carolina
3.77/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
350 ml can of "Premium Black" from Kyushu with canning/BB date stamps of 3/2018 & 11/2018, respectively.
Clear, dark brown body looks nearly black. A tall, foamy light tan head leaves ample lacing and has very good retention. Enticing aroma. More blase flavor, but still good with lingering dark roasted grain flavor and a hint of coffee. No burnt grain. Very smooth, medium body.
May 14, 2018
3.77/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
350 ml can of "Premium Black" from Kyushu with canning/BB date stamps of 3/2018 & 11/2018, respectively.
Clear, dark brown body looks nearly black. A tall, foamy light tan head leaves ample lacing and has very good retention. Enticing aroma. More blase flavor, but still good with lingering dark roasted grain flavor and a hint of coffee. No burnt grain. Very smooth, medium body.
May 14, 2018
woodychandler from Pennsylvania
3.96/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Einweizenbitte sent me a CAN during his travels and I set it aside, awaiting picture approval, determination of brewery, and some other factors and then the site went Kaput! for a while and I shunted the CAN even further to the side. Today is New CANned Black Beer Sunday for me and this will be the next offering.
From the CAN: "This premium black beer is brewed using dark roasted malt and caramel malt in good balance, and fine malt and select hops for a rich aroma and hearty roasted flavor."; "Born 1887".
The Crack and inverted Glug threatened to overflow my Anderson Valley CANglass with its dense, two-plus fingers of dense, deep-tan head with good retention. It also created a nice pseudo-cascading action before I was forced to back off. Color was a deep, dark-brown with light penetration only at the edges. Nose was rich with a smoky, dark chocolate smell. Mouthfeel was a little on the thin side for my taste, but oh!, what a taste! I described an earlier beer today as being like drinking a chocolate milk shake, but this was even closer to the taste than that one. Very chocolaty without being overly sweet, which is just the way that I like such things. Sweet really turns me off. Finish was semi-sweet and the chocolate flavors really lingered well after the swallow.
Jul 21, 2013
3.96/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Einweizenbitte sent me a CAN during his travels and I set it aside, awaiting picture approval, determination of brewery, and some other factors and then the site went Kaput! for a while and I shunted the CAN even further to the side. Today is New CANned Black Beer Sunday for me and this will be the next offering.
From the CAN: "This premium black beer is brewed using dark roasted malt and caramel malt in good balance, and fine malt and select hops for a rich aroma and hearty roasted flavor."; "Born 1887".
The Crack and inverted Glug threatened to overflow my Anderson Valley CANglass with its dense, two-plus fingers of dense, deep-tan head with good retention. It also created a nice pseudo-cascading action before I was forced to back off. Color was a deep, dark-brown with light penetration only at the edges. Nose was rich with a smoky, dark chocolate smell. Mouthfeel was a little on the thin side for my taste, but oh!, what a taste! I described an earlier beer today as being like drinking a chocolate milk shake, but this was even closer to the taste than that one. Very chocolaty without being overly sweet, which is just the way that I like such things. Sweet really turns me off. Finish was semi-sweet and the chocolate flavors really lingered well after the swallow.
Jul 21, 2013
JoeAmerican77 from Colorado
3.24/5 rDev -8.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Purchased at the local AAA in Yomitan, poured from the can...
A - Dark as pitch with a muddy two fingers of rich head.
S - Roasted malts is the only thing I can make out of the nose.
T - Anise, roasted malt, and a smidgen of bakers cocoa in the front, lacking any burnt bitterness whatsoever.
M - Light bodied, creamy, and refreshing.
Overall this is a nice "euro dark lager" whatever that means, reminds me of a less impressive Lion Stout, still enjoyable, Would recommend if you are facing this versus any mainstream Japanese pilsner-esque beers... Orion, Kirin, Asahi etc...
Jul 21, 2013
3.24/5 rDev -8.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Purchased at the local AAA in Yomitan, poured from the can...
A - Dark as pitch with a muddy two fingers of rich head.
S - Roasted malts is the only thing I can make out of the nose.
T - Anise, roasted malt, and a smidgen of bakers cocoa in the front, lacking any burnt bitterness whatsoever.
M - Light bodied, creamy, and refreshing.
Overall this is a nice "euro dark lager" whatever that means, reminds me of a less impressive Lion Stout, still enjoyable, Would recommend if you are facing this versus any mainstream Japanese pilsner-esque beers... Orion, Kirin, Asahi etc...
Jul 21, 2013
shigg85 from Japan
4.03/5 rDev +13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this on tap at the Yebisu Museum in Ebisu, Tokyo. Poured into a half-pint glass. No transparency at all with a thick beige creamy head. Head is delicious and flavored like coffee. Roasted coffee dominates the scent as well. The taste is a bit watery but still palatable. Very bitter like iced coffee. Beautiful scattered ring lacing around the glass. Overall, a wonderful black lager especially if you are looking for a coffee-influenced taste.
Jul 11, 2012
4.03/5 rDev +13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this on tap at the Yebisu Museum in Ebisu, Tokyo. Poured into a half-pint glass. No transparency at all with a thick beige creamy head. Head is delicious and flavored like coffee. Roasted coffee dominates the scent as well. The taste is a bit watery but still palatable. Very bitter like iced coffee. Beautiful scattered ring lacing around the glass. Overall, a wonderful black lager especially if you are looking for a coffee-influenced taste.
Jul 11, 2012
Fatehunter from Oregon
3.8/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured into a glass goblet. About a half finger of head on top of a black body. The head faded pretty quickly.
Smells of hay and grain, lots of it.
It has a good roasted malt taste throughout. There's some burnt taste too. It ends with a good bitterness.
Smooth and medium body, low carbonation. Fits nicely with the flavor.
A tasty black lager.
Apr 28, 2012
3.8/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured into a glass goblet. About a half finger of head on top of a black body. The head faded pretty quickly.
Smells of hay and grain, lots of it.
It has a good roasted malt taste throughout. There's some burnt taste too. It ends with a good bitterness.
Smooth and medium body, low carbonation. Fits nicely with the flavor.
A tasty black lager.
Apr 28, 2012
mdvatab from Indiana
3.58/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Ordered a bottle at Tori Gin restaurant in Nagoya Japan. Was relieved to see something on the menu other than Asahi or Kirin.
A: Whole wheat bread, dark roasted malt (a combo of molasses, brown sugar, and light smoke). Also, a faint herbal hop note. Not bad.
A: Pours dark brown with a tinge of ruby, and a foamy, 3 finger light tan head. This does not look like the Japanese beers I`m used to, and that`s a good thing!
F: Maltiness comes through again with a touch of molasses and whole wheat bread, but sweetness is relatively dry and muted. A slight tartness is noticeable (likely some astringency from the dark malt). The beer has a nice, moderate hoppy bitterness that comes in toward the middle, and hangs on for a little while.
M: Medium mouthfeel with crisp, medium-high carbonation.
O: Again, if it comes down to either ordering the standard Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo golden lagers or this one, I`m choosing this all day long. Definitely not one that would be my beer of choice back in the states, but I applaud the effort by Sapporo to market a darker beer. Now, if only demand for this kind of product would increase so the other big brewers came out with similar products!
Jan 18, 2012
3.58/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Ordered a bottle at Tori Gin restaurant in Nagoya Japan. Was relieved to see something on the menu other than Asahi or Kirin.
A: Whole wheat bread, dark roasted malt (a combo of molasses, brown sugar, and light smoke). Also, a faint herbal hop note. Not bad.
A: Pours dark brown with a tinge of ruby, and a foamy, 3 finger light tan head. This does not look like the Japanese beers I`m used to, and that`s a good thing!
F: Maltiness comes through again with a touch of molasses and whole wheat bread, but sweetness is relatively dry and muted. A slight tartness is noticeable (likely some astringency from the dark malt). The beer has a nice, moderate hoppy bitterness that comes in toward the middle, and hangs on for a little while.
M: Medium mouthfeel with crisp, medium-high carbonation.
O: Again, if it comes down to either ordering the standard Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo golden lagers or this one, I`m choosing this all day long. Definitely not one that would be my beer of choice back in the states, but I applaud the effort by Sapporo to market a darker beer. Now, if only demand for this kind of product would increase so the other big brewers came out with similar products!
Jan 18, 2012
eye2 from Texas
3.28/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Favorite Japanese beer.
A: Black/DarkBrown put still opaque. Almost no head.
S: Not much smell.
T: It has a taste. Slightly bitter and pleasing.
M: High carbonation and refreshing. Makes you happy to be out and about.
O: Overall, it's not super great. But it's probably the most tasty & refreshing native beer in Japan that you can drink all day at the park or just walking around.
Dec 07, 2011
3.28/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Favorite Japanese beer.
A: Black/DarkBrown put still opaque. Almost no head.
S: Not much smell.
T: It has a taste. Slightly bitter and pleasing.
M: High carbonation and refreshing. Makes you happy to be out and about.
O: Overall, it's not super great. But it's probably the most tasty & refreshing native beer in Japan that you can drink all day at the park or just walking around.
Dec 07, 2011
dbaker61 from Ohio
3.63/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Nov. 25, 2010 brew date, best by July 25, 2011.
Enjoyed slightly chilled.
Appearance: Dark brown-black, reddish glow when held up to a bright light. Plenty of thick, tan foam, about three fingers worth. Good retention, leaving little bits of lacing and a bubbly ring.
Smell: Roast malt, hint of chocolate and sweet malt.
Taste: Nice roast malt flavor, not as full flavored as porters. Bitterness coming from hops and roast malt. Good balance between malt sweetness and the bitterness, with the bitterness winning out.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied. Dry bitter finish. Low carbonation.
Overall: Fine Japanese attempt at the dark Euro style. Quite drinkable. I will be having this again.
May 13, 2011
3.63/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Nov. 25, 2010 brew date, best by July 25, 2011.
Enjoyed slightly chilled.
Appearance: Dark brown-black, reddish glow when held up to a bright light. Plenty of thick, tan foam, about three fingers worth. Good retention, leaving little bits of lacing and a bubbly ring.
Smell: Roast malt, hint of chocolate and sweet malt.
Taste: Nice roast malt flavor, not as full flavored as porters. Bitterness coming from hops and roast malt. Good balance between malt sweetness and the bitterness, with the bitterness winning out.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied. Dry bitter finish. Low carbonation.
Overall: Fine Japanese attempt at the dark Euro style. Quite drinkable. I will be having this again.
May 13, 2011
xylophonica from Australia
3.42/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Poured from what I think is a 350ml can into a tulip.
A - Jet black, slight hint of purpley-brown when held in the right light. Little or no head to speak of... but this is from a can.
S - Sweet toffee and caramel. Hint of honey & wheat as well.
T - Fairly smooth - minimal carbonation. Strong malt sensation with heaps of roasted flavours. Big, rich, dark-sugary tastes with some coffee as well.
M - As above the carbonation is fairly mild however it does have a slight aftertaste which is dominated by the bitter-coffee sensation.
O - Not a terrible example of the style. I think if you could get this on tap and it was just a little bit creamier it would be a damn fine beer. As it is, it's pleasant enough.
Mar 22, 2011
3.42/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Poured from what I think is a 350ml can into a tulip.
A - Jet black, slight hint of purpley-brown when held in the right light. Little or no head to speak of... but this is from a can.
S - Sweet toffee and caramel. Hint of honey & wheat as well.
T - Fairly smooth - minimal carbonation. Strong malt sensation with heaps of roasted flavours. Big, rich, dark-sugary tastes with some coffee as well.
M - As above the carbonation is fairly mild however it does have a slight aftertaste which is dominated by the bitter-coffee sensation.
O - Not a terrible example of the style. I think if you could get this on tap and it was just a little bit creamier it would be a damn fine beer. As it is, it's pleasant enough.
Mar 22, 2011
soju6 from Missouri
3.83/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
On-Tap at the Yebisu Beer Museum in Tokyo.
A: Served a virtual black color with a good tan head with some lacing.
S: Aroma is a mixture of Caramel and Coffee mixed in with roasted malt.
T: Nice roasted malt flavor with a bit of caramel and coffee.
F: Faily full body with a smooth creamy feel.
D: Easy drinker, good for a few. One of my first choices when I find it available while traveling in Japan.
Jan 14, 2011
3.83/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
On-Tap at the Yebisu Beer Museum in Tokyo.
A: Served a virtual black color with a good tan head with some lacing.
S: Aroma is a mixture of Caramel and Coffee mixed in with roasted malt.
T: Nice roasted malt flavor with a bit of caramel and coffee.
F: Faily full body with a smooth creamy feel.
D: Easy drinker, good for a few. One of my first choices when I find it available while traveling in Japan.
Jan 14, 2011
eric5bellies from Australia
4.05/5 rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Drank from my Achel Chalice.
A - This beer pours a dark ebony colour with a coffee colour head that retains well.
S - Molassis and brine from the bottle. Once poured takes on a much more roasted aroma.
T - Plenty of roasted malts and molassis, with a hint of chocolate.
M - Full body and medium carbonation makes for a smotth drop
D - Great beer and recommeded
Jun 18, 2010
4.05/5 rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Drank from my Achel Chalice.
A - This beer pours a dark ebony colour with a coffee colour head that retains well.
S - Molassis and brine from the bottle. Once poured takes on a much more roasted aroma.
T - Plenty of roasted malts and molassis, with a hint of chocolate.
M - Full body and medium carbonation makes for a smotth drop
D - Great beer and recommeded
Jun 18, 2010
jeranbrews from Oklahoma
2.11/5 rDev -40.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2
Going back for the can this time. Why? To document, to warn, to verify it wasn't a fluke.
A - Not bad. Decent Rorschach lacing that disappears like the super hero of the same name.. Somewhat clear dark brown color. Low head of a bone/beige color. The color is the redeeming factor.
S - Oh dear. Gaseous. Aluminum. Like a CO2 action BB gun that needs to be cleaned. Some bits of the hop but not that great. Hard to find the chocolate this time.
T - Mild medicinal flavor. Like when you crunch a pill into powder and mix it with water. Aftertaste is somewhat acidic. I taste some saran wrap plastic in there too. The can wasn't an improvement.
M - Not all that smooth. In Japanese fashion it's a bit loose and watery.
D - Yeah reach for the others when you are in a Japanese supermarket. This was fine when it was the only one on the market but now there are so many better ones both Japanese and imported.
Feb 06, 2010
2.11/5 rDev -40.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2
Going back for the can this time. Why? To document, to warn, to verify it wasn't a fluke.
A - Not bad. Decent Rorschach lacing that disappears like the super hero of the same name.. Somewhat clear dark brown color. Low head of a bone/beige color. The color is the redeeming factor.
S - Oh dear. Gaseous. Aluminum. Like a CO2 action BB gun that needs to be cleaned. Some bits of the hop but not that great. Hard to find the chocolate this time.
T - Mild medicinal flavor. Like when you crunch a pill into powder and mix it with water. Aftertaste is somewhat acidic. I taste some saran wrap plastic in there too. The can wasn't an improvement.
M - Not all that smooth. In Japanese fashion it's a bit loose and watery.
D - Yeah reach for the others when you are in a Japanese supermarket. This was fine when it was the only one on the market but now there are so many better ones both Japanese and imported.
Feb 06, 2010
wl0307 from England
3.63/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Coming in a 350ml can, produced in 09/2009, BB 05/2010 (likely unpasteurised); served lightly-chilled in a straight pint glass.
A: pours a nearly black hue with mahogany glows, coming with semi-lively carbonation and a thick, light tan frothy head that retains quite well.
S: pleasantly malty - bitter chocolates, sweet coffee, bitter-sweet black malts, burned black sugar and metallic notes dominate the nose, laced with lighter hints of roast nuts, black prunes and leather-ish+grassy hops. Very pleasant, actually, less roasty than most stouts and rather like a very very dark Dunkel lager or even a less sweet Baltic Porter.
T: surprisingly bitter and dry from the beginning, the foretaste has a soothing black malt theme, followed by semi-earthy hops and dry-ish bitterness, lingering burned walnutty aroma, and a lighter input of black prunes, but in the finish it's the good quality black malts' aftertaste and the bitter edge of caramel that linger the most.
M&D: the carbonation is kept at a "healthy" level, i.e. soft enough and not at all spritzy, while the body remains medium-minus to go well with the refreshing flavour profile. I find this beer more like a slightly more malty, heavier Schwarzbier, which, aided by Sapporo's dry-ish touch and a delicate hop profile, is rendered even more quaffable~~
Dec 24, 2009
3.63/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Coming in a 350ml can, produced in 09/2009, BB 05/2010 (likely unpasteurised); served lightly-chilled in a straight pint glass.
A: pours a nearly black hue with mahogany glows, coming with semi-lively carbonation and a thick, light tan frothy head that retains quite well.
S: pleasantly malty - bitter chocolates, sweet coffee, bitter-sweet black malts, burned black sugar and metallic notes dominate the nose, laced with lighter hints of roast nuts, black prunes and leather-ish+grassy hops. Very pleasant, actually, less roasty than most stouts and rather like a very very dark Dunkel lager or even a less sweet Baltic Porter.
T: surprisingly bitter and dry from the beginning, the foretaste has a soothing black malt theme, followed by semi-earthy hops and dry-ish bitterness, lingering burned walnutty aroma, and a lighter input of black prunes, but in the finish it's the good quality black malts' aftertaste and the bitter edge of caramel that linger the most.
M&D: the carbonation is kept at a "healthy" level, i.e. soft enough and not at all spritzy, while the body remains medium-minus to go well with the refreshing flavour profile. I find this beer more like a slightly more malty, heavier Schwarzbier, which, aided by Sapporo's dry-ish touch and a delicate hop profile, is rendered even more quaffable~~
Dec 24, 2009
capra12 from New York
3.92/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Reviewed in Hong Kong on 10/15/09 from notes taken.
Appearance: Poured dark honey brown, with a fine and frothy head that dissipates slowly.
Smell: Roasted malts and dark grains.
Taste: Opens with subtle malts, then incomes the roasted malts as those are then over taken by caramel malts and a hint of coffee that lingers in the background leaving a roasted malt and slghtly hoppy aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Rather smooth and dry, light to medium bodied with minimal carbonation.
Drinkability: I would have this again and would recommend this to those who like to try a roasted malt and mildly hoppy "black beer".
Nov 05, 2009
3.92/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Reviewed in Hong Kong on 10/15/09 from notes taken.
Appearance: Poured dark honey brown, with a fine and frothy head that dissipates slowly.
Smell: Roasted malts and dark grains.
Taste: Opens with subtle malts, then incomes the roasted malts as those are then over taken by caramel malts and a hint of coffee that lingers in the background leaving a roasted malt and slghtly hoppy aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Rather smooth and dry, light to medium bodied with minimal carbonation.
Drinkability: I would have this again and would recommend this to those who like to try a roasted malt and mildly hoppy "black beer".
Nov 05, 2009
JeremyBrews from Japan
2.79/5 rDev -21.2%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 3
A- Dark caramel color. Weak head that fades immediately. Zero lacing.
S- Rye bread with swamp/bog.
T- Nice initial hop passes the baton to toasted malt and rye bread flavors. Aftertaste is a bit of a salty, soy sauce experience.
M- Medium-light body. Carbonation was way too weak.
D- Overall a very average dark lager. Admittedly, though, I have pulled more of these off the shelves of Japanese convenience stores than any other beer - but this is mostly a testemant to the lack of dark brew options here.
Nov 01, 2009
2.79/5 rDev -21.2%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 3
A- Dark caramel color. Weak head that fades immediately. Zero lacing.
S- Rye bread with swamp/bog.
T- Nice initial hop passes the baton to toasted malt and rye bread flavors. Aftertaste is a bit of a salty, soy sauce experience.
M- Medium-light body. Carbonation was way too weak.
D- Overall a very average dark lager. Admittedly, though, I have pulled more of these off the shelves of Japanese convenience stores than any other beer - but this is mostly a testemant to the lack of dark brew options here.
Nov 01, 2009
Thesoundandthefury from Washington
3.23/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Was given this from a friend
A- Dark in color, not black....almost like a dark redish brown. Pours with about a finger of head that quickly disappears and leave behind virtually no lacing
S- Roasted malts...thats about it.
T- Not really much going on here. It has some dark roasted flavors with some hints of coffee of burnt grains....overall not that impressive
M- Quite thin feeling with average/medium carbonation. A bit watery.
D- Maybe 2, but nothing more than that.
Overall, the beer was quite bland IMO.
Feb 13, 2009
3.23/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Was given this from a friend
A- Dark in color, not black....almost like a dark redish brown. Pours with about a finger of head that quickly disappears and leave behind virtually no lacing
S- Roasted malts...thats about it.
T- Not really much going on here. It has some dark roasted flavors with some hints of coffee of burnt grains....overall not that impressive
M- Quite thin feeling with average/medium carbonation. A bit watery.
D- Maybe 2, but nothing more than that.
Overall, the beer was quite bland IMO.
Feb 13, 2009
hunteraw from China
3.23/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Purchased at a Shanghai supermarket. I was impressed with Yebisu's "The Hop" and thought I would give this "black beer" a shot.
Appearance: Pleasant dark leather in color, clear with red tints. One finger khaki head with modest retention.
Smell: Aroma is less roast, and more vegetable. Faint hints of coffee.
Taste: Flavor is better than the aroma, reminiscent of a schwarzbier. Caramel, roast, and coffee but lager-clean.
Mouthfeel & Drinkability: Medium body, mild carbonation. On the whole, not nearly as good a beer as The Hop. Moderately drinkable.
Jan 10, 2009
3.23/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Purchased at a Shanghai supermarket. I was impressed with Yebisu's "The Hop" and thought I would give this "black beer" a shot.
Appearance: Pleasant dark leather in color, clear with red tints. One finger khaki head with modest retention.
Smell: Aroma is less roast, and more vegetable. Faint hints of coffee.
Taste: Flavor is better than the aroma, reminiscent of a schwarzbier. Caramel, roast, and coffee but lager-clean.
Mouthfeel & Drinkability: Medium body, mild carbonation. On the whole, not nearly as good a beer as The Hop. Moderately drinkable.
Jan 10, 2009
bobsy from Canada (ON)
3.91/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed at the Ginza Lion Beerhall. Nice dark brown, bordering on black with a large mocha head. An impressive appearance from a major brewer. Caramel cocoa and coffee in the aroma. Smooth, roasty taste, somewhat like kostritzer, with the emphasis very much on the malts. Creamy mouthfeel and mild carbonation. Surprisingly good, and a solid quaffer.
Oct 12, 2008
3.91/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed at the Ginza Lion Beerhall. Nice dark brown, bordering on black with a large mocha head. An impressive appearance from a major brewer. Caramel cocoa and coffee in the aroma. Smooth, roasty taste, somewhat like kostritzer, with the emphasis very much on the malts. Creamy mouthfeel and mild carbonation. Surprisingly good, and a solid quaffer.
Oct 12, 2008
hoegaardenhero from Virginia
3.88/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
a: nice off-white head on top of a thick brown/black body; some decent lace
s: strong sweet coffee with some chocolate malts
t: smooth roasted coffee; some chocolate malts hints of bitter coffee beans; nuttiness
m: creamy and sooth light carb
d: i have always been kind of a fan of this beer but it is really smooth on tap
May 28, 2008
3.88/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
a: nice off-white head on top of a thick brown/black body; some decent lace
s: strong sweet coffee with some chocolate malts
t: smooth roasted coffee; some chocolate malts hints of bitter coffee beans; nuttiness
m: creamy and sooth light carb
d: i have always been kind of a fan of this beer but it is really smooth on tap
May 28, 2008
shivtim from Georgia
3.26/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Had at the Yebisu Beer Museum's bar. It's deep black with brown edges and a tan head that fades. Looks good. Nose is roasted caramel malts, and slight hoppy sweetness. Taste is decent malty goodness, slightly burnt on the finish, and an underlying sweetness. Not bad. Average mouthfeel and drinkability.
Dec 20, 2007
3.26/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Had at the Yebisu Beer Museum's bar. It's deep black with brown edges and a tan head that fades. Looks good. Nose is roasted caramel malts, and slight hoppy sweetness. Taste is decent malty goodness, slightly burnt on the finish, and an underlying sweetness. Not bad. Average mouthfeel and drinkability.
Dec 20, 2007
jerryj from Japan
3.76/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bought a couple cans of this lovely beer this evening from the local Sunkus convenience store here in Takamatsu, Japan.
The can is a standard 500ml can that most beers in Japan these days come in. Unlike most Japanese beers, this one #1 - is black, #2 - doesn't taste like Miller High Life (Sapporo Draft One, anyone?).
This Black Lager is not too unlike a beer that I had prior to leaving the US - the Samuel Adams Black Lager. This beer is not overly carbonated, and has a rather nice balance of malts... at times it tastes of that familiar coffee flavor, at times a bit of a dry caramel flavor. It's got a dark color consistent with a dark beer, but its taste lacks the creaminess of a stout or even porter. It has a bit of a crisp finish.
This beer is a bit off the beaten path compared to most Japanese beers. If you're looking for a native beer that doesn't lack flavor and is a bit more malty than hoppy, this beer is a good bet. It's one of the best beers I've been able to find in Japan that is even available in the smaller cities. It's far better on tap if you can find it (I did at my local Ikaku restaurant), but don't hesitate to drink it straight from the can or bottle. Thumbs up from this gaijin.
Oct 30, 2007
3.76/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bought a couple cans of this lovely beer this evening from the local Sunkus convenience store here in Takamatsu, Japan.
The can is a standard 500ml can that most beers in Japan these days come in. Unlike most Japanese beers, this one #1 - is black, #2 - doesn't taste like Miller High Life (Sapporo Draft One, anyone?).
This Black Lager is not too unlike a beer that I had prior to leaving the US - the Samuel Adams Black Lager. This beer is not overly carbonated, and has a rather nice balance of malts... at times it tastes of that familiar coffee flavor, at times a bit of a dry caramel flavor. It's got a dark color consistent with a dark beer, but its taste lacks the creaminess of a stout or even porter. It has a bit of a crisp finish.
This beer is a bit off the beaten path compared to most Japanese beers. If you're looking for a native beer that doesn't lack flavor and is a bit more malty than hoppy, this beer is a good bet. It's one of the best beers I've been able to find in Japan that is even available in the smaller cities. It's far better on tap if you can find it (I did at my local Ikaku restaurant), but don't hesitate to drink it straight from the can or bottle. Thumbs up from this gaijin.
Oct 30, 2007
basica from California
3.51/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I bought this one off the shelf at Isetan over at Scotts, Orchard. Thought I would give the
Yebisu a try after hearing so much about it and I picked the black lager from Yebisu. I am not
sure if I should call this a black lager or simply a stout. It feels like a stout due to the
highly roasted malts and subtle coffee hints in the smell, taste and after taste. This dark lager
pours out really blackish dark with a 1 inch thick head that slowly sinks in to leave a coffee
like lacing The main thing in the smell, taste and after tasts however is still the the dark
roasted malts and it really lives up to its name as an "all malt beer". However it becomes a
little monotonous with just the familiar roasted malt taste. Bitterness was very subtle and light
and the body of this one's a little on the thin side. Carbonation was high at the start but
quickly drops to a minimal level. Generally a very smooth beer and pretty refreshing and thirst
quenching for a stout (or black lager). I can appreciate it to a certain extent but still feel
that there could be more to it.
Aug 10, 2007
3.51/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I bought this one off the shelf at Isetan over at Scotts, Orchard. Thought I would give the
Yebisu a try after hearing so much about it and I picked the black lager from Yebisu. I am not
sure if I should call this a black lager or simply a stout. It feels like a stout due to the
highly roasted malts and subtle coffee hints in the smell, taste and after taste. This dark lager
pours out really blackish dark with a 1 inch thick head that slowly sinks in to leave a coffee
like lacing The main thing in the smell, taste and after tasts however is still the the dark
roasted malts and it really lives up to its name as an "all malt beer". However it becomes a
little monotonous with just the familiar roasted malt taste. Bitterness was very subtle and light
and the body of this one's a little on the thin side. Carbonation was high at the start but
quickly drops to a minimal level. Generally a very smooth beer and pretty refreshing and thirst
quenching for a stout (or black lager). I can appreciate it to a certain extent but still feel
that there could be more to it.
Aug 10, 2007
TurdFurgison from Ohio
4.32/5 rDev +22%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I picked up a can of this beer from a department store in Ikebukuro (Tokyo). Poured into a hotel room glass as a nightcap and was very surprised by the quality. I rated as a Euro dark lager (the current description on BA), but this really seemed more like a porter to me.
The appearance was great, thick light tan head over a dark burgandy brown beer. The aroma was roasted malts and a hint of chocolate, not too different from GL Edmund Fitzgerald. The flavor is same as above but maybe a little more like London Porter. The more I try it the more sure I am that this is a porter, and a good one at that.
I highly recommend this if you're in Japan, it beats the Kirin and other Sapporo products I've tried.
Jun 03, 2007
4.32/5 rDev +22%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I picked up a can of this beer from a department store in Ikebukuro (Tokyo). Poured into a hotel room glass as a nightcap and was very surprised by the quality. I rated as a Euro dark lager (the current description on BA), but this really seemed more like a porter to me.
The appearance was great, thick light tan head over a dark burgandy brown beer. The aroma was roasted malts and a hint of chocolate, not too different from GL Edmund Fitzgerald. The flavor is same as above but maybe a little more like London Porter. The more I try it the more sure I am that this is a porter, and a good one at that.
I highly recommend this if you're in Japan, it beats the Kirin and other Sapporo products I've tried.
Jun 03, 2007
soulgrowl from England
4.1/5 rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Olive blackish brown, not totally opaque, but would probably make an effective pair of shades. Head is thick, creamy, and dense, caffe latte in color with fair retention.
Smell: Caramel, coffee, peanuts, tobacco, and milk chocolate malt. Light metallic notes paved over with thick, chewy brownie richness. Decidedly subtle hops - from Bayern, according to the can - lend a vague estery essence.
Taste: Chocolate, buckwheat honey, earthy coffee beans, and nutty, roasty dryness. A solid dark malt taste that becomes more rich as it warms, with a lovely cocoa finish without a trace of syrupiness. Light spicy hop notes. Nice.
Mouthfeel: Soft and medium-bodied with a just-right effervescence.
Drinkability: This is my go-to beer in Japan as it's generally the most flavorful option at most stores and it doesn't run quite as expensive as Japanese craft brews. Definitely recommended in this land of rice lagers and happoshu.
Mar 11, 2007
4.1/5 rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Olive blackish brown, not totally opaque, but would probably make an effective pair of shades. Head is thick, creamy, and dense, caffe latte in color with fair retention.
Smell: Caramel, coffee, peanuts, tobacco, and milk chocolate malt. Light metallic notes paved over with thick, chewy brownie richness. Decidedly subtle hops - from Bayern, according to the can - lend a vague estery essence.
Taste: Chocolate, buckwheat honey, earthy coffee beans, and nutty, roasty dryness. A solid dark malt taste that becomes more rich as it warms, with a lovely cocoa finish without a trace of syrupiness. Light spicy hop notes. Nice.
Mouthfeel: Soft and medium-bodied with a just-right effervescence.
Drinkability: This is my go-to beer in Japan as it's generally the most flavorful option at most stores and it doesn't run quite as expensive as Japanese craft brews. Definitely recommended in this land of rice lagers and happoshu.
Mar 11, 2007
crwills from Canada (ON)
3.4/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Not bad for a macro, not bad at all. Had a couple of these at the Da Vinci bar in the ANA Hotel in Akasaka. Quite pleasant roasty aromas, and a good roasted caramel flavour, although fairly weak in body. Carbonation was a bit higher than I'd like as well, but still pretty drinkable.
Nov 16, 2006
3.4/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Not bad for a macro, not bad at all. Had a couple of these at the Da Vinci bar in the ANA Hotel in Akasaka. Quite pleasant roasty aromas, and a good roasted caramel flavour, although fairly weak in body. Carbonation was a bit higher than I'd like as well, but still pretty drinkable.
Nov 16, 2006
Yebisu Black Beer from Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
Beer rating:
80 out of
100 with
71 ratings
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