Black Gold
Block 15 Brewing - Southtown Tap Room

Growler from New Seasons.

A very dark brown, almost black with reddish brown highlights this beer is capped with a dark brown head with decent retention and lacing. The nose is roasty, mildly caramel like and with a touch of dusty cocoa. Grainy but not deep like you'd find in a dunkel. A touch of grainy bitterness is present in the back. The palate opens with a blend of deeply roasted grainy bitterness, mildly husk like with burnt bits included. The sweetness is a simpler caramel base with a touch of sugar. Cocoa and roast are present in the midpalate with a soft creamy carbonation present. A touch sweet on the finish with lingering roast, this is solid.

On tap at Saraveza, Portland, Oregon, Us, Earth.

Cola brown bordering black. Clean looking. Too clean in fact thanks to a non-existent head or lacing.

Very simple aroma of toasted bread. One could argue chocolate or coffee, or earthy... Nope. Burnt toast. That's it.

Flavor follows suit, but there is a touch of brown sugar in there as well. Just for fun, let's call it bruleed brown sugar glaze over ciabatta. That spices things up a bit. Honestly though, very standard, but very good Schwarzbier flavor.

Feels quite thin. Watery, low carbonation. Thin. Balanced favoring bitter thanks to that dollop of roast. I could drink this by the truck load.

As far as Schwarzbiers go, this one is just above average. Still good, even worth revisiting perhaps. But with the local competition, the style has its clear winners and this one rides the pine.

Cheers.