Räuberchen Schwarz
Spessart Brauerei GmbH

If this is a Schwazrbier it certainly is another example of the range of beer types within this catch-all style.

Nice coppery amber in the glass. Aroma not particularly vivid. Malty and rich. Slight sweetness and apple flavors. Hops are pronounced with a pleasing bitterness in the aftertaste. A bit woody and a taste of burnt oatmeal adds to the complexity. An interesting beer that is worth trying. Purchased this one-third litre bottle in a supermarket in Rudesheim, so it must be widely distributed in Germany.

Not all that "schwarz" in appearance, more a blend of rusty red and caramel brown. Head is an inch thick and leaves half-circles and various other thin bent streaks of lace.

My word, this thing smells gamey. Liked smoked meat, which overtakes the wimpy little cocoa nibs that try to muscle in. An interesting, compelling, beguiling aroma.

Flavor keeps things dark and meaty, although every element is tame and super well-balanced. A little smoke here, a light flash of cocoa powder there, a hint of plum, enough hops to provide subtle bitterness, and a pretty dry finish that doesn't keep the flavors rolling out very long. Slick feel with adequate carbonation, and pretty juicy overall.

I like the raw, old-school, direct character of this flavor, which is not to say it's unrefined, it's just simple and well-balanced. Probably even better out of a wooden mug in the schwarzwald of southern Germany (and served by a pulchritudinous German frau like the one on the label).