Black Gold
Arches Brewing

 

Appearance - The beer poured a deep black color with a tan head.

Smell - The nose gave hints of dark malts and lager yeast.

Taste - A light smokiness came with the dark malts in the initial taste. The bitterness was light, coming with a slight coffee presence. The lager yeast made a smooth feel. The bitterness is most evident in the finish.

Mouthfeel - Small bubbles and yeast made for a smooth feel.

Overall - For the style, this is close to perfect.

 

Poured from 12oz can to pils glass. can not dated, but as a new release freshness is implied.
L: dark brown to black with maroon highlights. Inch of light tan foam thats clings to the glass.
S: Coffee, cocoa nibs, roasted malt, charred corn, and a hint of fresh cut grass
T: Follows the nose with an emphasis on the cocao nibs and bakers chocolate
F: refreshingly thin bodied with moderately high carbonation.
O: Something to rival the Germans. Well done arches

Draft beer at the brewery tap room.

Appearance: Clear, very dark brown with garnet tint, frothy tan head with good retention.

Aroma: Light roasted and chocolate/cocoa malt. Hint of floral hops.

Taste: Moderate roasted and chocolate malt profile follows aroma well. Moderately bitter, but not offensive or overwhelming.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and smooth. Moderate length aftertaste; with no harsh bitterness.

Overall: Hits Schwarzbier style on the nose. Nice clean lager profile. It may look like a Porter, but DO NOT expect it to taste like a Porter; as it is not supposed to. Terrific aroma. Amazingly light drinking for a dark malted beer. Signature roasted malt & chocolate flavors; but no intrusive burnt flavors. This style is quickly becoming a personal favorite; but it's hard to find, especially in distribution. Hoping Arches puts this in cans soon.