Dark Helmet
Barrel Theory Beer Company

 

A - Dark body, brown but primarily opaque, thin almost off white head, fades to thin line and extensive lacing.

S - Strong hops, soft malts, a bit of roast, and grass and subtle citrus highlights.

T - Follows the nose, with a front of bread-focused malt notes, roasted highlights beneath, a bit of citrus acidity in the finish.

M - Prominent carbonation, moderate weight, and a dry, clean finish.

O - Superb Schwarzbier. Delicious, satisfying, and lovely. I'd keep this in the regular rotation, and will pick this up again if I see it.

Appearance: Pours a dark brown color with a massive light tan head. SRM of 19. (4.00)

Aroma: Strong aromas of dark, bread, some yeast and light earthy notes. (3.75)

Flavor: Strong flavors of black malt, bread, yeast with some light, earthy notes. Yeasty and dry on the finish. (4.00)

Feel: Medium body, strong, carbonation, clean, and dry finish. (4.00)

Compared to Modist Pretty Metal 1/2024: Pours lighter, stronger head. Milder aromas. More dark bread and yeast. Less black, chocolate and dark roast. More tame and smooth. Winner: Modist

Compared to Sprecher Black Bavarian 1/2024: Pours lighter, lighteer head. More earthy dark malt. Less roasted dark cocoa. Lighter and cleaner.

Compared to Phase Three Czech Dark 2/2024: Pours with a lighter head. Milder aromas. More earth and grains. Less cocoa and roast. Lighter and cleaner.

Overall: More tame and smooth and less roasted than I expected. I would have pegged this as a dark Euro lager as it's not as dark or roasted. It's pretty good. (Rating: 3.94)

 

 

Crowler. Khaki head. Lace. Dark brown color.

Lightly roasted malts, caramel, toffee, nutty, cocoa, and chocolate. Light bodied. Light smokiness. Easy drinking. Lots of flavor for 5%.

Beautiful schwartzbier - says 5% on the can - perfect range for a crowler during quarantine. Lots of crisp mouthfeel and malt hit the perfect balance. I love this style of beer and this is one of the better ones I’ve had.