5 O'clock Shadow Double Black Lager | Grand Teton Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
Grand Teton Brewing Co.
Idaho, United States | website
Style: Schwarzbier
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.60%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
5 O’Clock Shadow Double Black Lager is brewed in the German Schwarzbier (black beer) tradition. Schwarzbier is to lager what stout or porter is to ale. Like those dark British beers, Schwarzbier has long been considered nourishing and even curative. German doctors often recommend Schwarzbier for nursing mothers. Our Brewmaster, born in Munich, was the beneficiary of just such advice.
We have taken the traditional Schwarzbier, intended to be a “session beer” with typically moderate alcohol, and almost doubled its strength to 7.6% alcohol by volume. We brewed our version with a fine balance of crystal and roasted malts and spiced it with noble hops. We fermented 5 O’Clock Shadow at cold temperatures with a select German lager yeast and cold-conditioned it for over four months to create a velvety smooth, easy drinking springtime brew.
This German lager pours a deep brown, almost black color with ruby highlights. It has soft dark chocolate notes with hints of caramel and a light roasty finish.
38 IBU
Added by JohnGalt1 on 02-02-2012
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 46 | Ratings: 118
4/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750ml bottle into a Brooklyn tulip. Bottled Jan. 2012.
A: Pours a straight black with a nice spongy tan head. Good lacing.
S: Lightly sweet dark malts, coffee roast, lactic sweetness, slight hop resin.
T: Soft chocolate and coffee beans, light smokiness (very Grand Teton), vanilla, doughy malt, subtle bitter hop notes and dark fruit esters. Mild, pleasing dark grain and chocolate in the finish.
M: Creamy soft body with a nice carbonation level. Light enough to be very drinkable.
O: Tastes like a robust porter or milk stout that's been lagered. Quite nice.
★ 580 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750ml bottle into a Brooklyn tulip. Bottled Jan. 2012.
A: Pours a straight black with a nice spongy tan head. Good lacing.
S: Lightly sweet dark malts, coffee roast, lactic sweetness, slight hop resin.
T: Soft chocolate and coffee beans, light smokiness (very Grand Teton), vanilla, doughy malt, subtle bitter hop notes and dark fruit esters. Mild, pleasing dark grain and chocolate in the finish.
M: Creamy soft body with a nice carbonation level. Light enough to be very drinkable.
O: Tastes like a robust porter or milk stout that's been lagered. Quite nice.
★ 580 characters
3.91/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On-tap at Guthries. Served in a cervoise.
A - A finger of tan foam settles to a partial cap, thick collar, and splotchy lacework. The body is a dark brown color with ruby glints to it.
S - Smells like a cross between a Schwarzbier and a Baltic Porter. There's a mixture of smoke, dark and doughy breads, dark fruits, and some sharp, slightly metallic, roast characteristics. Perhaps a hint of alcohol as well.
T - I like the taste significantly more, as it gets rid of some of the harsh elements of the aroma. Nice roasted grains, yeasty and chewy bread, light smoke, semisweet chocolate, and a fairly clean finish.
M - Medium body, lightly roasty, with a dry finish. Quite smooth, with low carbonation. Well-attenuated with a crisp lager vibe to it.
D - A solid, enjoyable, and interesting hybrid of a beer. I finished my glass, although it's not the quickest drinking offering from Grand Teton. I'd consider having it again on-tap, but a whole 750ml bottle would probably be excessive.
★ 992 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On-tap at Guthries. Served in a cervoise.
A - A finger of tan foam settles to a partial cap, thick collar, and splotchy lacework. The body is a dark brown color with ruby glints to it.
S - Smells like a cross between a Schwarzbier and a Baltic Porter. There's a mixture of smoke, dark and doughy breads, dark fruits, and some sharp, slightly metallic, roast characteristics. Perhaps a hint of alcohol as well.
T - I like the taste significantly more, as it gets rid of some of the harsh elements of the aroma. Nice roasted grains, yeasty and chewy bread, light smoke, semisweet chocolate, and a fairly clean finish.
M - Medium body, lightly roasty, with a dry finish. Quite smooth, with low carbonation. Well-attenuated with a crisp lager vibe to it.
D - A solid, enjoyable, and interesting hybrid of a beer. I finished my glass, although it's not the quickest drinking offering from Grand Teton. I'd consider having it again on-tap, but a whole 750ml bottle would probably be excessive.
★ 992 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Dark black with raisin colored highlights, and a two finger tan head with good retention and lacing. The aroma has dark roasted malt and a little bit of caramel.
The taste has dark roasted malt, caramel, and cocoa. Does a nice job of combining the light sweetness of cocoa and caramel, with the bitterness of dark roasted malt. Neither is overpowering. Nicely balanced.
Medium bodied with modest carbonation. Slightly creamy. Has a slightly sweet aftertaste. A very nice Schwarzbier from Grand Teton.
★ 502 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Dark black with raisin colored highlights, and a two finger tan head with good retention and lacing. The aroma has dark roasted malt and a little bit of caramel.
The taste has dark roasted malt, caramel, and cocoa. Does a nice job of combining the light sweetness of cocoa and caramel, with the bitterness of dark roasted malt. Neither is overpowering. Nicely balanced.
Medium bodied with modest carbonation. Slightly creamy. Has a slightly sweet aftertaste. A very nice Schwarzbier from Grand Teton.
★ 502 characters
4/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A- Dark brown color with a tan bubbly head. Disappears a little and is edging towards patchy. Lacing can be seen sticking to the glass.
S- Moderate amount of malty character with toasted malt and a bit of roasted malt being the most prominent. A slight amount of caramel in the nose with traces of coffee. No real hop aroma.
T- Moderate malty beginning that changes to a rich Munich malt in the middle. Toasted flavor as well as the roasted malt that was noticeable in the nose. Some low bitterness at the end with a clean lager character throughout.
M- Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Nice and smooth while finishing slightly dry.
O- Full flavored and smooth. Although I was surprised to see a "double" schwarzbier, this one worked out well.
★ 755 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A- Dark brown color with a tan bubbly head. Disappears a little and is edging towards patchy. Lacing can be seen sticking to the glass.
S- Moderate amount of malty character with toasted malt and a bit of roasted malt being the most prominent. A slight amount of caramel in the nose with traces of coffee. No real hop aroma.
T- Moderate malty beginning that changes to a rich Munich malt in the middle. Toasted flavor as well as the roasted malt that was noticeable in the nose. Some low bitterness at the end with a clean lager character throughout.
M- Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Nice and smooth while finishing slightly dry.
O- Full flavored and smooth. Although I was surprised to see a "double" schwarzbier, this one worked out well.
★ 755 characters
4.06/5 rDev 0%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I poured a bottle into a pilsner glass.
Appearance- Very dark brown with ruby highlights. Two fingers worth of tan head and nice lacing.
Smell- Smoke and roasted malt with faint chocolate and coffee notes.
Taste- Roasted malt with bitter chocolate and hints of caramel.
Mouthfeel- Full bodied and nicely carbonated. Crisp and smooth with smoky finish.
Overall- Very nice. This is one of the best Schwarzbier that I have tasted.
★ 432 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I poured a bottle into a pilsner glass.
Appearance- Very dark brown with ruby highlights. Two fingers worth of tan head and nice lacing.
Smell- Smoke and roasted malt with faint chocolate and coffee notes.
Taste- Roasted malt with bitter chocolate and hints of caramel.
Mouthfeel- Full bodied and nicely carbonated. Crisp and smooth with smoky finish.
Overall- Very nice. This is one of the best Schwarzbier that I have tasted.
★ 432 characters
4.1/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured on draft at Bad Apple.
A: pours opaque black, minimal head, some lacing
S: nose features roasty notes with a healthy dose of smoke, pleny of cocoa, some bitterness, very nice
T: the flavor features bold and roasty notes, hints of smoke, some sweet malty notes, nice balance
Mf: decent sized body, mellow carbonation
O: very nice and full flavored, great roasty and smoke balance
★ 391 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured on draft at Bad Apple.
A: pours opaque black, minimal head, some lacing
S: nose features roasty notes with a healthy dose of smoke, pleny of cocoa, some bitterness, very nice
T: the flavor features bold and roasty notes, hints of smoke, some sweet malty notes, nice balance
Mf: decent sized body, mellow carbonation
O: very nice and full flavored, great roasty and smoke balance
★ 391 characters
4.2/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a dark black with a thin layer frothy brownish head. The head fades pretty quickly leaving behind some lacing.
S - Aroma is a mix of roasted and burnt chocolate malts with some coffee, along with some earthy smells.
T - Starts off with some heavily roasted chocolate malts with some coffee and a bit of earthy flavors and some smoke. Through the middle, some more coffee and lightly burnt flavors come through. The finish is a mix of sweet dark chocolate, roasted malts, earthy hops, and some smoke.
M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth with a creamy mouthfeel and a dry and lightly sweet and smoky finish.
D - Very drinkable. Nicely balanced flavors with a great roasted malt character with some nice complexity from the hops and smoke.
★ 766 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a dark black with a thin layer frothy brownish head. The head fades pretty quickly leaving behind some lacing.
S - Aroma is a mix of roasted and burnt chocolate malts with some coffee, along with some earthy smells.
T - Starts off with some heavily roasted chocolate malts with some coffee and a bit of earthy flavors and some smoke. Through the middle, some more coffee and lightly burnt flavors come through. The finish is a mix of sweet dark chocolate, roasted malts, earthy hops, and some smoke.
M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth with a creamy mouthfeel and a dry and lightly sweet and smoky finish.
D - Very drinkable. Nicely balanced flavors with a great roasted malt character with some nice complexity from the hops and smoke.
★ 766 characters
3.56/5 rDev -12.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours an effervescent mahogany with 2 fingers of khaki colored head very good head retention & lacing
S: Charred grain & carob
T: Follows the nose, some cocoa & coffee grinds, plus dryness up front. Faint chicory notes as this warms, along with woody hops, slight persimmon & praline flavor present as well, plus more carob & just bit of anise & black currant with boozey undertones. Finishes fruitty with some boozey raisin notes & smokeyness
MF: Medium bodied, firm carbonation, skews sweeter than most Schwartzbiers, a bit hot too
An interesting take on the style, a touch too big & sweet for me, but worth a try
★ 620 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours an effervescent mahogany with 2 fingers of khaki colored head very good head retention & lacing
S: Charred grain & carob
T: Follows the nose, some cocoa & coffee grinds, plus dryness up front. Faint chicory notes as this warms, along with woody hops, slight persimmon & praline flavor present as well, plus more carob & just bit of anise & black currant with boozey undertones. Finishes fruitty with some boozey raisin notes & smokeyness
MF: Medium bodied, firm carbonation, skews sweeter than most Schwartzbiers, a bit hot too
An interesting take on the style, a touch too big & sweet for me, but worth a try
★ 620 characters
4.2/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Just tried this from a 10oz tulip at JL Beers in Moorhead.
Appearance
Reminiscent of a heavy stout, for obvious reasons. Opaque, with a very nice head.
Smell
The predominant smell was smokey, dark chocolate with hints of coffee.
Taste
Damn good! Malts, heaps of coffee and dark chocolate. The dark chocolate and coffee add some pleasant bitterness. A flavor that I would describe as "roasted" and caramely.
Mouthfeel
I was surprised by the amount of carbonation in this one, until I remembered that it was a Schwarzbier and not an ale. A little less carbonation would make this one even more enjoyable, I think.
Overall
A tasty and wholesome beer. I would suggest letting this one warm up slightly before drinking it. After about 10-15 minutes in the glass, the flavor improved dramatically.
★ 797 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Just tried this from a 10oz tulip at JL Beers in Moorhead.
Appearance
Reminiscent of a heavy stout, for obvious reasons. Opaque, with a very nice head.
Smell
The predominant smell was smokey, dark chocolate with hints of coffee.
Taste
Damn good! Malts, heaps of coffee and dark chocolate. The dark chocolate and coffee add some pleasant bitterness. A flavor that I would describe as "roasted" and caramely.
Mouthfeel
I was surprised by the amount of carbonation in this one, until I remembered that it was a Schwarzbier and not an ale. A little less carbonation would make this one even more enjoyable, I think.
Overall
A tasty and wholesome beer. I would suggest letting this one warm up slightly before drinking it. After about 10-15 minutes in the glass, the flavor improved dramatically.
★ 797 characters
3.97/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours black, black, black. Very small light tan head leaves fast. Some large bubbled clumps around rim.
S - Charred malt, coffee. Hint of malt.
T - Same as taste, but a little chalky cocoa added to the mix and a hint of anise at finish.
M - Medium body, good carb, pretty clean finish and good balance.
D - Drinks nicely.
★ 329 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours black, black, black. Very small light tan head leaves fast. Some large bubbled clumps around rim.
S - Charred malt, coffee. Hint of malt.
T - Same as taste, but a little chalky cocoa added to the mix and a hint of anise at finish.
M - Medium body, good carb, pretty clean finish and good balance.
D - Drinks nicely.
★ 329 characters
3.98/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Black color in the 0.4 litre nonic glass with a beige head. Very smooth and rich, but powerful. Huge flavor and a hot mouthful. Some hops in the aroma but not distinctive.
Acres of roast malt on the tongue and a tingly carbonation. Tastes like smoked malts in the mix. Quite spicy along with the alcohol. Chocolate and caramel. Best beer I've had from Grand Teton. Sensationally drinkable.
On tap at Tiger Tiger in San Diego. They call it an Imperial Black Lager. Totally peculiar style, like a super dry Barleywine.
★ 518 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Black color in the 0.4 litre nonic glass with a beige head. Very smooth and rich, but powerful. Huge flavor and a hot mouthful. Some hops in the aroma but not distinctive.
Acres of roast malt on the tongue and a tingly carbonation. Tastes like smoked malts in the mix. Quite spicy along with the alcohol. Chocolate and caramel. Best beer I've had from Grand Teton. Sensationally drinkable.
On tap at Tiger Tiger in San Diego. They call it an Imperial Black Lager. Totally peculiar style, like a super dry Barleywine.
★ 518 characters
4.37/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Had this on tap at Tiger! Tiger!, poured into a pint glass
The brew pours jet black in appearance and form a small chocolate-tan head. Small patches of lacing touch the glass, and it looks fairly viscous.
The chocolate malts establish the bouquet and they carry notes of buttery bread. Earthy grains poke through, a touch of hop dryness in the distance.
Roasty, chocolate malts are again the big player on the palate, slightly sweet and smoky. There aren't a lot of hop charecteristics to meet te sweet malts, but they're not needed - this brew is eminently drinkable. A little buttery, creamy mid-sip, which gives the beer a deeper complexion than you'd expect. The hops do their part towards the end, leading to a dry finish that leaves almost no lingering flavors between sips.
Damn, this has to be one of the better schwartzbiers I've tried. A little richer than some of the German varieties, but I hate getting hung up on categories. This is just a damn good brew.
★ 977 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Had this on tap at Tiger! Tiger!, poured into a pint glass
The brew pours jet black in appearance and form a small chocolate-tan head. Small patches of lacing touch the glass, and it looks fairly viscous.
The chocolate malts establish the bouquet and they carry notes of buttery bread. Earthy grains poke through, a touch of hop dryness in the distance.
Roasty, chocolate malts are again the big player on the palate, slightly sweet and smoky. There aren't a lot of hop charecteristics to meet te sweet malts, but they're not needed - this brew is eminently drinkable. A little buttery, creamy mid-sip, which gives the beer a deeper complexion than you'd expect. The hops do their part towards the end, leading to a dry finish that leaves almost no lingering flavors between sips.
Damn, this has to be one of the better schwartzbiers I've tried. A little richer than some of the German varieties, but I hate getting hung up on categories. This is just a damn good brew.
★ 977 characters
4.62/5 rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a half-pint chalice.
A: Clear, dark brown color that shows no light at its core, with one finger of diminishing mocha-tinted foam head. Heavy lacing remains on the glass.
S: Roast is aggressive and slightly unctuous, suggestive of strong black coffee. Earth is a bit musty, complementing other dark qualities.
T: Begins off-dry, with creamy brown malt and sedate earthy hops. Acidity is extremely restrained, as more bitter roast emerges in the middle. Bitter chocolate is suggested in the waning finish that tapers down nicely, leaving a restrained earthy bitterness to linger on the palate.
M: Medium to think viscosity, velvety smooth and creamy on the palate, with low carbonation.
D/O: Smooth beyond belief, this is the strong dark beer I have been waiting for. It achieves such clarity of purpose in its ability to transmit pure roasted qualities. While clean, understand that this beer is more of a bold American creation than any real attempt to faithfully recreate a continental recipe--but that's okay. Another home-run for Grand Teton!
★ 1,084 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a half-pint chalice.
A: Clear, dark brown color that shows no light at its core, with one finger of diminishing mocha-tinted foam head. Heavy lacing remains on the glass.
S: Roast is aggressive and slightly unctuous, suggestive of strong black coffee. Earth is a bit musty, complementing other dark qualities.
T: Begins off-dry, with creamy brown malt and sedate earthy hops. Acidity is extremely restrained, as more bitter roast emerges in the middle. Bitter chocolate is suggested in the waning finish that tapers down nicely, leaving a restrained earthy bitterness to linger on the palate.
M: Medium to think viscosity, velvety smooth and creamy on the palate, with low carbonation.
D/O: Smooth beyond belief, this is the strong dark beer I have been waiting for. It achieves such clarity of purpose in its ability to transmit pure roasted qualities. While clean, understand that this beer is more of a bold American creation than any real attempt to faithfully recreate a continental recipe--but that's okay. Another home-run for Grand Teton!
★ 1,084 characters
3.47/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
poured from 750 into a pilsner glass. Pours a dark chocolate color with a frothy head
Very pungent with aromas of coffee, dark chocolate, toffee, and loads of roasted malts. Good depth on the aromas as well
medium bodied with a smooth feel, but the flavors overpower a bit. The flavors of roasted malts, coffee, and dark chocolate aren't out of whack, but they feel like they are fighting for attention a slight bit
I think I would've liked more balanced and nuance to this. It's certainly a big schwarzbier and doesn't aim for balance as much as blunt force on the flavors.
★ 577 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
poured from 750 into a pilsner glass. Pours a dark chocolate color with a frothy head
Very pungent with aromas of coffee, dark chocolate, toffee, and loads of roasted malts. Good depth on the aromas as well
medium bodied with a smooth feel, but the flavors overpower a bit. The flavors of roasted malts, coffee, and dark chocolate aren't out of whack, but they feel like they are fighting for attention a slight bit
I think I would've liked more balanced and nuance to this. It's certainly a big schwarzbier and doesn't aim for balance as much as blunt force on the flavors.
★ 577 characters
4.3/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a deep dark black with some dark clear mahogany highlights, a nice sticky dark tan head with lots of lacing.
The smell is very good, big char, smoke, and a bit of leather.
The flavor is both full and restrained at the same time, lots of nice complex flavors going on with none of them overpowering the others. Nice levels of smoke and char along with subtle chocolate and a nice touch of earthy bitterness giving it a very nice even quality.
The mouthfeel is very dry and clean.
Very nice big Schwarzbier.
★ 516 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a deep dark black with some dark clear mahogany highlights, a nice sticky dark tan head with lots of lacing.
The smell is very good, big char, smoke, and a bit of leather.
The flavor is both full and restrained at the same time, lots of nice complex flavors going on with none of them overpowering the others. Nice levels of smoke and char along with subtle chocolate and a nice touch of earthy bitterness giving it a very nice even quality.
The mouthfeel is very dry and clean.
Very nice big Schwarzbier.
★ 516 characters
4.3/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark brown, almost black. Head is dense and creamy.
Aroma is smokey, charred dark grain with a touch of chocolate.
Taste is rich smokey dark malt and powdered cocoa up front. Then dark fruit makes an appearance - raisin and date. Woody and nutty. Finishes with charred dark grain and mild earthy hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium-full.
A flavorful malt experience. Smoke is apparent, but understated.
★ 414 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark brown, almost black. Head is dense and creamy.
Aroma is smokey, charred dark grain with a touch of chocolate.
Taste is rich smokey dark malt and powdered cocoa up front. Then dark fruit makes an appearance - raisin and date. Woody and nutty. Finishes with charred dark grain and mild earthy hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium-full.
A flavorful malt experience. Smoke is apparent, but understated.
★ 414 characters
4.07/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Dark brown color that appears black in my pilsner glass. Not quite one finger of head forms and settles to a thin cap. Moderate amount of lacing is left down the glass during consumption.
Aroma has a little roasted and caramel malt notes. The hops add some grass and spice. There is also a sulfer smell.
Just a slight roasted malt flavor that compliments the stronger caramel malt. The hops do not play a large role, but do add some spicy notes. Alcohol does come out in the flavor and adds some warmth.
Nice carbonation and texture. The body sure does not feel like a 7.6% beer as it seems light. But that is the nature of the style.
Quite flavorful and well crafted lager.
★ 678 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Dark brown color that appears black in my pilsner glass. Not quite one finger of head forms and settles to a thin cap. Moderate amount of lacing is left down the glass during consumption.
Aroma has a little roasted and caramel malt notes. The hops add some grass and spice. There is also a sulfer smell.
Just a slight roasted malt flavor that compliments the stronger caramel malt. The hops do not play a large role, but do add some spicy notes. Alcohol does come out in the flavor and adds some warmth.
Nice carbonation and texture. The body sure does not feel like a 7.6% beer as it seems light. But that is the nature of the style.
Quite flavorful and well crafted lager.
★ 678 characters
4.17/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From Grapevine. I would barely call this black. Very thin layer of light tan head.
Aroma, A nice malty caramel, more chocolate. Light earthy roast with some cocoa.
Taste, pretty strong roast malt, chocolate, some peat. Light coffee and cocoa finish, fairly dry, lingers well.
Nice mid bodied lager. The fine carbonation was just about creamy. Drinks quite well, though I wish the abv was a tad lower. Above average.
★ 418 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From Grapevine. I would barely call this black. Very thin layer of light tan head.
Aroma, A nice malty caramel, more chocolate. Light earthy roast with some cocoa.
Taste, pretty strong roast malt, chocolate, some peat. Light coffee and cocoa finish, fairly dry, lingers well.
Nice mid bodied lager. The fine carbonation was just about creamy. Drinks quite well, though I wish the abv was a tad lower. Above average.
★ 418 characters
3.88/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
looks the part for a Schwarzbier, a deep brown/black that light barely penetrates, but obviously much thinner than most dark beers. a nice mocha head forms, quickly recedes, but laces well.
slightly roasty aroma, molasses, chocolate, a touch of light roasted coffee.
flavor starts off sweet and malty with plenty of roasted coffee a bit of dark caramel and molasses, but it never goes too sweet and it finishes very clean.
light/medium and crisp but slightly slightly syrupy before it finishes clean.
very nice rendition of the style. Not overly roasty, not overly sweet, not too full bodied, not too light. No alcohol detectable... could sneak up on you because this drinks so easy.
★ 687 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
looks the part for a Schwarzbier, a deep brown/black that light barely penetrates, but obviously much thinner than most dark beers. a nice mocha head forms, quickly recedes, but laces well.
slightly roasty aroma, molasses, chocolate, a touch of light roasted coffee.
flavor starts off sweet and malty with plenty of roasted coffee a bit of dark caramel and molasses, but it never goes too sweet and it finishes very clean.
light/medium and crisp but slightly slightly syrupy before it finishes clean.
very nice rendition of the style. Not overly roasty, not overly sweet, not too full bodied, not too light. No alcohol detectable... could sneak up on you because this drinks so easy.
★ 687 characters
4.03/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Picked this up tonight at the COOP on the way home from work... it pours deep dark walnut brown.... when held to a light the stem end of my glass glows a deep ruby.... Dark tan head sticks around for a bit leaving nice drapes of crusty lacing.
The nose is roasty.... a bit coffee like... some dark toast is rounded out by hints of malty sweetness.... smells pretty clean.
Flavor mirrors the aromas.... very clean... no fruity esters... just nice malty goodness.
The body is a solid medium... carbonation is good small bubble... everpresent.
Interesting brew... I would drink it sooner than later... I doubt cellaring will do anything to help an already fresh clean brew.
4.5/4/4/4/4
★ 697 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Picked this up tonight at the COOP on the way home from work... it pours deep dark walnut brown.... when held to a light the stem end of my glass glows a deep ruby.... Dark tan head sticks around for a bit leaving nice drapes of crusty lacing.
The nose is roasty.... a bit coffee like... some dark toast is rounded out by hints of malty sweetness.... smells pretty clean.
Flavor mirrors the aromas.... very clean... no fruity esters... just nice malty goodness.
The body is a solid medium... carbonation is good small bubble... everpresent.
Interesting brew... I would drink it sooner than later... I doubt cellaring will do anything to help an already fresh clean brew.
4.5/4/4/4/4
★ 697 characters
5 O'clock Shadow Double Black Lager from Grand Teton Brewing Co.
4.06
out of 5
based on 118 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Fresh bottle from Lakeview Liquors, Chicago. Midnight black colour with suitable white head. Strong roast aroma. Significant chocolate, mild roast, good drinkability and not very complex, consistent with the style.Slightly above average mouthfeel. Worth seeking out for people liking this style, or stouts.
★ 306 characters