Mönchshof Schwarzbier
Kulmbacher Brauerei AG

 

 

Feb. 2002: Sure it's black - but I'd go for any Irish or Imperial Stout instead, any time. Disappointing lack of flavour and "bite". Of course it's drinkable, but I expected more.

 

 

 

 

It pours dark brown with a light brown head. Smells absolutely delectable with toasted malt and sweet vanilla over a backdrop of pleasant grain and nuttiness. While the aroma packs a punch, the taste is much more mild. Deep malt and light sweetness are present with only slight bitterness. It's light and easy-drinking with medium carbonation. I would have it again.

 

 

A crowler from Dominion Beer and Wine.

Not impressed with this one more like a Dunkel. Lacking in any level of sweetness and too heavy. Not the typical refreshing beer I have come to love.

Look is two finger light brown head with solid dark brown body, head retention is good and stays with you throughout leaving good lacing.
Aroma of chestnut, raisins, blackcurrant
Taste burnt malts, very subtle bitterness and black coffee with dark bitter chocolate in the aftertaste.
Feel is light to medium carbonation with a tingling sweetness on the palate, semi dry.
Overall it is a tasty full beer retaining the refreshment of a lager as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very good taste

Pours a very dark reddish brown with thick, tan head.

Smell is rich and slightly sweet. Notes of toasted malt, chocolate, leather and pumpernickel bread.

Tasts is malty with a hint of sweetness. Notes of chocolate, toasted mlt, coffee grounds and a little bit of fruitiness. Vthere is a very soft, floral bitterness, but nothing that overpowers.

Mouthfeel is medium, well carbonated.

Overall, a very nice, balanced Schwarzbier.

 

 

Smooth, medium to dark roast coffee with dark chocolate notes. Nice lingering notes.

 

 

 

 

 

Coming out of the bottle it looks clear. However, in the glass it looks like a muddy and murky dark brown color. An aggressive pour yields a huge frothy head that displays excellent retention and lacing.
Aromas open with chocolate malt sweetness. Notes of dark toasted malts, nutty, biscuity as well as a light roast. A light tanginess and lemon zest from the dark malts and earthy hops.
Clean flavor with muted chocolate sweetness. Very toasty along with a touch of roasted malts. Earthy hops flavors add a modest and balancing bitterness. Rustic and woodsy flavors. A touch of lemon imparts a light acidity, perhaps from the dark malts.
Medium to full bodied with a gentle carbonation. Very smooth mouthfeel with a rich and round malt forward flavor. The finish is lightly tart and dry.
A wonderful Schwarzbier, perhaps the best I’ve ever had.

 

There's something about these black lagers that keeps bringing me back...

...and in the case of this brewer's schwarzbier, it is the overall full-bodied flavor this gives. I tell you what, though it wasn't much to smell, it was beautifully black and it was full-bodied to the mouth. There was a watery background to it, but easily overlooked. The taste was malty, dry as advertised, and has a clean finish, which I have an appreciation for. This was definitely a savory offering of the style and one that I would be very glad to bring along to any holiday party this season...

 

Somewhat sweet as the style demands. A great dark session beer. Cost aside :)

 

 

 

 

A classic benchmark schwarzbier, from first mouthful, swallow and afterglow. Tasty rich dark black beer.

A dark and roasted schwarzbier, with a surprising combination of sweet fruit and chocolate flavors. Smoke is present through out, especially in the nose. Does well to stay true to style bitterness without sacrificing any other favors that make this one stand out. Body is a little dry for the style, but still very light and frothy despite dark flavoring.