Schwarzbier
Empire Brewing Company

 

I don't know what's going on which this beer. It got a gold in a GABF and there are 2 reviews total? At the time of this review, it's also listed as a limited release and a Doppelbock, neither of which is remotely true.

MoFro looks exactly like a Schwarzbier should: it's a dark brown color, translucent leaning opaque, with what appears to be a medium body. The head is a foamy tan one, not tall but reasonable with decent retention and stick.
The nose brings out some toast, maybe going a little bready, with a bit of caramel and almost molasses-like sweetness. There's a bit of mineral over top.
The test is a bit light to me; I don't want a bruiser in a Schwarz, but it took a little to pull out the flavor. Like the nose, it's got toast and caramel, along with the hint of molasses, but with a little more mineral and a touch of earth. There are very slight hints of roast and the quickest flash of fruits. Some grass develops a very light bitterness as it goes.
The feel is right, a medium body on the lighter side, plenty crisp and active but smooth and clean as well.

calling this one mofro now apparently, its one of there better beers and a real authentic tasting black beer. the pour is pretty flat looking, dense and dark in color, almost hersheys brown, with minimal mocha head. the nose is lighter than the color, like a gentle roast and patient lager yeast. bready and wintery in vibe, I like it a lot. I taste some sweetness here, almost like treacle syrup, not spiced like molasses but equally heavy. dark grains abound, and they do have that characteristic german flavor. I only wish it had more carbonation. this drinks a little heavy as a result of being kind of flat, even though the body itself is manageable. we chose to fill our growler with it, despite its shortcomings. very flavorful brew here.

Got this on tap at Malt and Mold and was told Empire dropped off different beers at places in New York as part of Exotic Beer Week. This one was exclusive to Malt and Mold.

Appearance: Doesn't pour thick, minimal lacing.

Smell: Nothing noteworthy to mention here. Mild smell.

Taste: Compared to black beers and stouts I usually have, this was a little heavier on the carbonation. That's not really my thing, but it wasn't overbearing. Comparable to say Young's Chocolate Stout. Just doesn't have the oompf of a Black Session Lager or Imperial Stout. For the style, it makes sense, more subdued and probably a good complement to a meal without filling yourself up too much.

Mouthfeel: Nothing unique here.

Overall: I still enjoyed this beer, it certainly doesn't feel like a meal like some heavier dark beers. I think this would make a good choice for a German style beer that you want dark but also don't want it too be heavy during the summer months. Worth a try if it's on tap, but I probably wouldn't buy again or buy in a bottle.