Black Betty
Sockeye Grill & Brewery

a subtle black ale here, lighter in color, lighter than porter, deeper than most brown ales, but some light coming into this, average tan head from the tap fades pretty fast, smooth easy drinker, chocolate malt forward, not much to the hop profile here hardly at all, even though for some reason i was thinking black ipa when i ordered this. i like it in a richer brown ale context, and for how malty it is, the body is actually on the lighter side, and there isnt too much residual sugar here either, so this is a pretty mellow sipper. some light caramel notes, english brown malt, toffee, root beer, and light roasted bitterness but not too deep or dark down that road. i could use a little more carbonation and life in it, but the flavors blur the line between brown and porter, and i like a style bender like this. they pretty much always have some fun seasonal or limited release beer at the new sockeye space, and good food over there too, an underrated establishment. if you get away from their basic lineup, they do some pretty unique beers. this is approachable but different, quite good.

Draft at Bittercreek. Pitch black with a creamy beige head. Aroma has light notes of chocolate, roadt malts. Not overly bitter. Listed as a CDA, although it leans towards a schwarzbier, But is not a lager. Taste is rich roast grains with not a big hop bite. Bitterness lingers though.