Black Lager
Cynosure Brewing

this is good the point of being almost shocking, truly exceptional, and the quality of all the beer in here really impressed me, was glad to finally get a chance to make it in with the boys, they have a great thing going, and this was one of the shining stars of their lineup, as good a domestic example if the style as ive had in i dont know how long, memorable even, and its part texture, part flavor, a super dialed beer here, well lagered, tidy, and full of creamy nuance. not quite black in color, matte with mahogany edges, a frothed up off white head rests effortlessly on it. the nose is roasty but not at all bitter, less bitter than i think is standard in the style, other german grains appear in support of the roast, dark cocoa notes, faint licorice, but really clean, with some bready old world lager yeast in the mix, nice minerality and overall water chemistry, and a total lack of frills or excess, its simple in the best possible way, distinct but familiar too. the flavor is even better, the yeast is perfect in here, the ferment totally dialed in, and a neat dark soil profile to it, proofing dough, dark chocolate of the finest quality, and really subtle hop bitterness on the swallow. its so creamy and smooth, almost has a nitro feel, so soft and expansive, really wonderful with these dark flavors, and its easy going down. really special beer, very unsung operation, i wont soon forget this one!

L:. Pours a dark brown black with a small tan head and no lacing on the glass.

S:. Roasted malt, caramel and toffee, a bit of cherry, a touch of smoke.

T:. Roasted malt, caramel and toffee, a bit of cherry, a light touch of smoke and a light bitterness.

F:. Lighter body, smooth and easy drinking.

O:. A very enjoyable schwarsbier.