Salute Your Schwarz
Barbarian Brewing

i am surprised to see this rated so poorly here, i think its a mighty impressive example of the style, especially for an american brewer, sure it may be a bit sturdy for what it is, less drinkable than the best german takes, but i dont mind the fuller, almost porter body to it, its still on the dry side and has a little bit of lager crispness to it, even if its not the most robust lager yeast strain in this context, it works. i wish barbarian would embrace the basics a little more, they always hit when they tackle this sort of thing, but its not common enough, everything seems over thought out sometimes, i like this simplicity. shiny and black, short tan head from the tap, aroma of freshly brewed coffee and dark barley, earthy but bready in the middle too, never sweet, with a little european thing to the malts, although when i get to drinking it this is less overtly german than it could be. still, its pretty well lagered, finishes clean, and has nice depth of flavor overall, potentially more bold than is common, but its identifiable still. excellent morning beer, hangover beer, or even session sipper, a side of barbarian we do not see often enough!

Taster at taproom. Black pour, ring of beige head. Roasty aroma, light coffee, mild sweetness. Taste starts with a small bitter bite, coffee, dark chocolate. Body is right on.