Ghost Chant
Magnanimous Brewing

A: Pours a clear but almost opaque very dark chestnut brown (approaching black) in color with moderate amounts of active visible carbonation rising along the edges of the glass and moderate amber + dark golden yellow + copper + cola brown colored highlights. The beer has a three finger tall sudsy foamy tan head that reduces to a large patch of very thin film covering approximately 75% of the surface of the beer and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of toasted + roasted + slightly smoked + caramel malts with light amounts of caramel sweetness. Light aromas of spicy/peppery + earthy hops.

T: Upfront there are slightly stronger than moderate flavors of toasted + roasted + slightly smoked + caramel malts with light amounts of caramel sweetness. That is followed by light flavors of spicy/peppery + earthy hops. Moderate amounts of lingering roasty bitterness.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly crisp initially upfront with a light amount of dryness in the finish.

O: Easy to drink with well hidden alcohol and a pleasantly crisp + dry mouthfeel. Enjoyable but this beer feels like it might be more of a hybrid of Schwarzbier and Altbier as I get aspects of both styles but maybe it leans a little closer to the Schwarzbier.

 

Appearance: Dark brown, khaki colored head that is initially frothy but short retention.

Aroma: Roasty

Flavor: Roasted malt and spicy/peppery hops. Moderate bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied. Drying. Moderate length bitter finish.

Overall: Brewery calls this an Altbier but this is much more Schwarzbier. It is dark brown to black in color, roasty in aroma and flavor. Quite bitter and rough around the edges. Short, dry, bitter finish. No sure why they dubbed this an Altbier. Would not recommend, there are better Altbier examples.