Black Lager
Hi-Wire Brewing

not really european in any way, but its not a schwarzbier or a czech dark lager rightly either, a domestic dark lager? made with some cool specialty dark malt and an impressive specimen, full flavored but light in body and dry, drinkable, and high end to me, the first beer ive had from these guys in a really long time. super well made, roasty and interesting, this malt stands out as quite distinctive. there is an obsidian look to this, black and high shine, very short head on it though despite ample carbonation overall, and not a ton of viscosity, i feel like its rare to see beer this dark but also this thin, not that its lacking body, just that it isnt huge. the aroma and flavor lead with nuanced roast and earthiness, i get an almost rye spice element along with hints of tobacco and dark soil, not quite european to me, not german anyway, mineral forward, and with a fresh and familiar lager yeast complexion, this presents as mature and patiently lagered, crisp for its color, clean and tidy, dry, effortless to drink. there is a debittered character to it, like its roasty but without the usual bitterness, not just balanced by a sweeter middle as some are, mostly absent. the body is lighter than medium, the lager yeast brings plenty of flavor, and i get subtle espresso as it warms. really nicely done, a style id love to see more of around the country, cool showcase of some great malt here!