Blackjacket
Watts Brewing Company

Poured from 12oz can into a dimpled mug. There seems to be a date stamp on the bottom but it's illegible.

Appearance: rich, dark-brown hue that is nearly black, with what appears to be a haze-free body. Head is a thin finger of frothy tan foam; I like it.

Smell: plenty of coffee and chocolate on the nose, along with a light caramel sweetness. It's richer than the average schwarzbier; I think it's great.

Taste: somewhat drier and roastier than the aroma, with more caramel and nutty notes and a bit less coffee. The finish is a bit on the sweet side for me, but other than that it's a darn good beer.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a good carbonation and creaminess. I don't know if it's the kölsch yeast, but it's less crisp and more creamy than I think of the style as usually being.

Overall: this is just a smooth-drinking, delightful beer. I could probably knock back quite a few of these.

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown very little light transmission in the glass and a half finger khaki head with great retention and nice lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt with moderate char, bakers chocolate and drip coffee. Flavor follows with dark, well toasted malt with light char, bakers chocolate, coffee and a little licorice. Lingering smoky chocolate finish; mild hops. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess. An authentic tasting, nicely toasted malt schwarzbier. Great chocolate and coffee notes. Fine flavor depth for the moderate ABV. This brewery is brewing very solid, flavorful beer in a variety of styles. They seem to be getting them into local restarants too, which adds to quality and variety when dining out.