Schwarz
Otaru Beer

Appearance: Gorgeous olive black. Black as my true love's hair is. Head is poofy, smooth, and cafe-stained with a quiet volatility that gradually undermines its retention.

Smell: Lots of dark, sweet flavors: black bean tea, buckwheat honey, toasted white bread, chocolate and a touch of berry. Somehow reminiscent of a peanut butter and honey sandwich.

Taste: Good, but everything is moderated; malt sweetness defers to an unusual lactose-esque tartness and a steely mineral quality, fenced in by a crisp, tidy hop edge. Tastes mostly of honey and hops; mocha and toast are there, too, but very subdued.

Mouthfeel: Light/medium-bodied and fairly smooth, yet crisp, almost soda-crisp. Schwarzes should be brighter on the palate than most dark beers, but this is a bit too bright.

Drinkability: Not my favorite from Otaru, nor my favorite Schwarz. But still worth a try. I'm just a bit bummed this wasn't on tap anywhere when I was in Hokkaido. Good with dried figs.

Dark brown crisp body and a thin, consolidated tan foam topping, lasting for a good portion of the drinking. Nose is fruity, sweetened by a vanilla cream flavor and roasted over by burnt coffee notes. Diacetyl, yes, but, um..

Taste as well is overall fruity, with a combination of flavors of vanilla soda and sarsparilla. Very dry after, fading into bitter hops. Drinkable, light-bodied brew, soft carbonation.

Very unique schwarzbier and a stand-out among Japanese examples, although the diacetyl kind of wears on you...