Saranac Black Forest | Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
Brewed by:
Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
New York, United States | website
Style: Schwarzbier
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.50%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 10-15-2001
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 564 | Ratings: 1,113
4.81/5 rDev +29.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
It's been awhile since I have had this beer but it tastes exactly as I remember. A dark beer with roasted notes in the taste and a smooth finish. This is probably one of my favorite beers from Saranac.
★ 203 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
It's been awhile since I have had this beer but it tastes exactly as I remember. A dark beer with roasted notes in the taste and a smooth finish. This is probably one of my favorite beers from Saranac.
★ 203 characters
2.92/5 rDev -21.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
The other Saranac beer that I don't mind drinking, this one was actually a bit of a disappointment. I went through a Schwarzbier kick after visiting a different brewery, but this one didn't cut it. Thinner than I expected, poured more brown than black. There is not much in the form of aromas, a little roastiness, a little bit of German hops. The flavor is dominated by a bad tasting yeast, and the beer is slightly more dry and bitter than I would expect.
★ 457 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
The other Saranac beer that I don't mind drinking, this one was actually a bit of a disappointment. I went through a Schwarzbier kick after visiting a different brewery, but this one didn't cut it. Thinner than I expected, poured more brown than black. There is not much in the form of aromas, a little roastiness, a little bit of German hops. The flavor is dominated by a bad tasting yeast, and the beer is slightly more dry and bitter than I would expect.
★ 457 characters
2.74/5 rDev -26.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Thin brown pour, it is lighter than the name black forest would imply the color would be. Thin light brown head. Nuttiness in the aroma, chocolate malt kind of missing, same with roasted qualities.
This lacks the pop of a schwarzbier, the hops, the carbonation, the roast. Comes off more like a watered down brown ale. Not bitter enough. Not roasted enough. Not enough of what this beer should have to be classified as such.
★ 433 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Thin brown pour, it is lighter than the name black forest would imply the color would be. Thin light brown head. Nuttiness in the aroma, chocolate malt kind of missing, same with roasted qualities.
This lacks the pop of a schwarzbier, the hops, the carbonation, the roast. Comes off more like a watered down brown ale. Not bitter enough. Not roasted enough. Not enough of what this beer should have to be classified as such.
★ 433 characters
3.98/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a very nice dark brown color with a very robust cream color head. Smells faintly hoppy. Initial taste is light and fruity with a slight malty, coffee aftertaste. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this brew. I will definitely enjoy more of this.
★ 260 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a very nice dark brown color with a very robust cream color head. Smells faintly hoppy. Initial taste is light and fruity with a slight malty, coffee aftertaste. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this brew. I will definitely enjoy more of this.
★ 260 characters
4.03/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
On the docket: Saranac Black Forest Black Beer with a date of 1/25/15. Pretty old, I blame the establishment from which I purchased it, and the fact I didn’t look until I got home. Caveat emptor.
Poured into: Sam Adams perfect pint glass
S: A deep, amber-brown body with violet highlights supports a dense, pockmarked beige head. Tiny bubbles zip to the underbrush of the head’s bottom. Eventually, the head subsides into a clearing, a small ring on top. Lacing is sporadic due to the beer’s age, or a non-beer-clean glass, or both.
A: Clean, with a hint of caramel, a touch of sweetness, and white-bready grain. Subtle hop aroma of earth and a twist of lemon.
T: Smooth clean malt, a dash of roast. Sweet start but drying finish. Reasonably bitter and hoppy, with earth and lemon carrying through from the aroma. There’s something a little off, I just can’t quite tell what. DMS? Am I crazy?
F: Medium-light, persistent, tiny bubbles. Sweet on the start, but chalky and drying on the finish. Crisp, drinkable.
O: Consumed fresh, I’m sure this one is fantastic, as evidenced by “the brothers.” Old, it’s certainly drinkable, but not how the brewer’s intended. It does, however, sport all the hallmarks of a well-made Schwarzbier.
★ 1,280 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
On the docket: Saranac Black Forest Black Beer with a date of 1/25/15. Pretty old, I blame the establishment from which I purchased it, and the fact I didn’t look until I got home. Caveat emptor.
Poured into: Sam Adams perfect pint glass
S: A deep, amber-brown body with violet highlights supports a dense, pockmarked beige head. Tiny bubbles zip to the underbrush of the head’s bottom. Eventually, the head subsides into a clearing, a small ring on top. Lacing is sporadic due to the beer’s age, or a non-beer-clean glass, or both.
A: Clean, with a hint of caramel, a touch of sweetness, and white-bready grain. Subtle hop aroma of earth and a twist of lemon.
T: Smooth clean malt, a dash of roast. Sweet start but drying finish. Reasonably bitter and hoppy, with earth and lemon carrying through from the aroma. There’s something a little off, I just can’t quite tell what. DMS? Am I crazy?
F: Medium-light, persistent, tiny bubbles. Sweet on the start, but chalky and drying on the finish. Crisp, drinkable.
O: Consumed fresh, I’m sure this one is fantastic, as evidenced by “the brothers.” Old, it’s certainly drinkable, but not how the brewer’s intended. It does, however, sport all the hallmarks of a well-made Schwarzbier.
★ 1,280 characters
4.51/5 rDev +21.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I haven't had this beer in a long time...had one tonight, forgot how good it was!
To me, it's a light dark beer. Nice flavor, smooth, very drinkable.
Saranac does it again, nice work Utica.
★ 190 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I haven't had this beer in a long time...had one tonight, forgot how good it was!
To me, it's a light dark beer. Nice flavor, smooth, very drinkable.
Saranac does it again, nice work Utica.
★ 190 characters
4.52/5 rDev +21.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Had some trepidation, fearing this beer would not be as good as I remembered it.
Well, it's as good if not better. Hard to imagine how a brewery with so much mediocre offerings can nail one style so wonderfully
Two finger dense head from a slow pour. Gorgeous dark brown with garnet edges. Inviting
Smell is pilsner like with plenty of grain and noble hops.
Taste is on point for style. A great beer for an autumn session or barbecue chicken pairing. I want another after I finish this one.
If Saranac would reinstate some of their old winter favorites into their lineup and focus on their lagers with mor care they could be a good brewery. In the meantime I'll remain dubious yet curious. Either way, this beer is going into rotation. Big time
★ 750 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Had some trepidation, fearing this beer would not be as good as I remembered it.
Well, it's as good if not better. Hard to imagine how a brewery with so much mediocre offerings can nail one style so wonderfully
Two finger dense head from a slow pour. Gorgeous dark brown with garnet edges. Inviting
Smell is pilsner like with plenty of grain and noble hops.
Taste is on point for style. A great beer for an autumn session or barbecue chicken pairing. I want another after I finish this one.
If Saranac would reinstate some of their old winter favorites into their lineup and focus on their lagers with mor care they could be a good brewery. In the meantime I'll remain dubious yet curious. Either way, this beer is going into rotation. Big time
★ 750 characters
4/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I don't usually like dark beers, but this one is really well balanced and delicious. A lot of dark beers tend to be too malt-forward for my taste, but Black Forest has a great hoppy bite that complements the dark malt. It tastes like a really solid lager, just with a little more of the dark roasted malt flavors coming through, and a slightly thicker mouthfeel.
★ 362 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I don't usually like dark beers, but this one is really well balanced and delicious. A lot of dark beers tend to be too malt-forward for my taste, but Black Forest has a great hoppy bite that complements the dark malt. It tastes like a really solid lager, just with a little more of the dark roasted malt flavors coming through, and a slightly thicker mouthfeel.
★ 362 characters
3.52/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Once the dust settled it was just an average schwarzbier. Smooth and dark but lacked much flavor. I've made much better schwarzbier at $25 for a 48 bottle yield.
★ 161 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Once the dust settled it was just an average schwarzbier. Smooth and dark but lacked much flavor. I've made much better schwarzbier at $25 for a 48 bottle yield.
★ 161 characters
3.67/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Another beer I picked up in bottle from a sampler pack. Was really good, surprising that my wife liked it too. Very nice color and aroma with just right taste and balance for me.
★ 180 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Another beer I picked up in bottle from a sampler pack. Was really good, surprising that my wife liked it too. Very nice color and aroma with just right taste and balance for me.
★ 180 characters
4.75/5 rDev +28%
Pours clear, deep reddish-brown color. Small head that dissipates quickly. Some minor lacing. Notes of caramel and burnt coffee with a mild bitterness. Full flavored without being heavy. Excellent!
★ 202 characters
Pours clear, deep reddish-brown color. Small head that dissipates quickly. Some minor lacing. Notes of caramel and burnt coffee with a mild bitterness. Full flavored without being heavy. Excellent!
★ 202 characters
3/5 rDev -19.1%
This brew pours a black color with a one finger mocha head which dissipates fairly quickly; light lacing. Low carbonation
The smell is roasted and sweet malts; it is rich and deep.
The taste is roasted and sweet malts along with some sugary sweetness, maybe some type of syrup is in there. There is virtually no hop taste. The beer finishes with a crisp, cracker like lager taste.
This is not a bad beer but not great either. It might be good for a cool day when you do not want something too heavy. It does taste light for such a dark looking beer.
★ 557 characters
This brew pours a black color with a one finger mocha head which dissipates fairly quickly; light lacing. Low carbonation
The smell is roasted and sweet malts; it is rich and deep.
The taste is roasted and sweet malts along with some sugary sweetness, maybe some type of syrup is in there. There is virtually no hop taste. The beer finishes with a crisp, cracker like lager taste.
This is not a bad beer but not great either. It might be good for a cool day when you do not want something too heavy. It does taste light for such a dark looking beer.
★ 557 characters
4.3/5 rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Saranac Black Forest brewed by Matt brewing Company with an ABV of 5.5% This brew pours out a dark brown color with a nice off white head. It put you in the mind of black coffee. The smell is rich with sweetness and some grains. The taste is sweet and smooth but rich. There is a lot going on in this brew. There is nothing overpowering in this brew. Black Forest has a nice balance to it. The sweetness in this brew is just right. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich. Matt Brewing company did a nice job with this one. Overall I'm giving this 4.5 out 5. I would buy this brew again.
★ 580 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Saranac Black Forest brewed by Matt brewing Company with an ABV of 5.5% This brew pours out a dark brown color with a nice off white head. It put you in the mind of black coffee. The smell is rich with sweetness and some grains. The taste is sweet and smooth but rich. There is a lot going on in this brew. There is nothing overpowering in this brew. Black Forest has a nice balance to it. The sweetness in this brew is just right. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich. Matt Brewing company did a nice job with this one. Overall I'm giving this 4.5 out 5. I would buy this brew again.
★ 580 characters
3.25/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Saranac Black Forest from Matt Brewing Company. Poured from the bottle into a glass, this had a 1/16th of a finger that went away rather instanstly, pitch black body as expected, and not very much lacing. At all.
I smell rich malt characteristics. Not very much else going on here.
The taste is rich and full with roasted malt. Its not very savory,though. Just bolder than the average lager, I suppose. Which it ought to with this color! I'm gonna make a broad generalization here& say its like Michelob high test, but just a PINCH lighter. All in all, a lager vibe is felt.
Mouthfeel is medium-light. Clean and smooth.
Overall a 3.5 for Saranac Black Forest from Matt Brewing Company. I may buy this brew again.
★ 720 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Saranac Black Forest from Matt Brewing Company. Poured from the bottle into a glass, this had a 1/16th of a finger that went away rather instanstly, pitch black body as expected, and not very much lacing. At all.
I smell rich malt characteristics. Not very much else going on here.
The taste is rich and full with roasted malt. Its not very savory,though. Just bolder than the average lager, I suppose. Which it ought to with this color! I'm gonna make a broad generalization here& say its like Michelob high test, but just a PINCH lighter. All in all, a lager vibe is felt.
Mouthfeel is medium-light. Clean and smooth.
Overall a 3.5 for Saranac Black Forest from Matt Brewing Company. I may buy this brew again.
★ 720 characters
2.97/5 rDev -19.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
A: Looks black - but there is light penetration that makes it look like a dark red. Forms a 1 1/2 finger tan head. The head is nce and dense
S: Nothing prominent on the nose.
T: Hard candy, dark fruits. Sweetness.
M: Light, watery mouth feel.
O: I think this has some sessionability. It is not overly complex or deep. I think I could kick back with a few of these on a hot day. It is not my favorite beer but it brings a little something different to the table.
★ 467 characters
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
A: Looks black - but there is light penetration that makes it look like a dark red. Forms a 1 1/2 finger tan head. The head is nce and dense
S: Nothing prominent on the nose.
T: Hard candy, dark fruits. Sweetness.
M: Light, watery mouth feel.
O: I think this has some sessionability. It is not overly complex or deep. I think I could kick back with a few of these on a hot day. It is not my favorite beer but it brings a little something different to the table.
★ 467 characters
2.99/5 rDev -19.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
A- More brown than black, dark body with a thin light tan head.
S- Mild malt aroma, with a hint of roast.
T- Malty, some caramel, some char, somewhat sweet from the malt.
M- Lighter body, medium carbonation, not all that thick and drinks like a medium lager.
O- A decent entry level beer for the style, but nothing that stands out.
★ 335 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
A- More brown than black, dark body with a thin light tan head.
S- Mild malt aroma, with a hint of roast.
T- Malty, some caramel, some char, somewhat sweet from the malt.
M- Lighter body, medium carbonation, not all that thick and drinks like a medium lager.
O- A decent entry level beer for the style, but nothing that stands out.
★ 335 characters
2.99/5 rDev -19.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Pours a darkish liquid. Not a heavy looking "black beer" though. In fact color is kinda "light".
Smell is kinda weak. Hardly overpowering at all.
The taste at first blush was nothing memorable but the after-taste was quite nice.
Not to be confused with Saranac "Black & Tan", this "Black Forest" is superior for sure but the alcohol content is really kinda weak.
The variety pack i purchased only provides 1 Black Forest of the 6. feels like an autumnish beer.
Like I said, it really could really use more alcohol for sure.
★ 529 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Pours a darkish liquid. Not a heavy looking "black beer" though. In fact color is kinda "light".
Smell is kinda weak. Hardly overpowering at all.
The taste at first blush was nothing memorable but the after-taste was quite nice.
Not to be confused with Saranac "Black & Tan", this "Black Forest" is superior for sure but the alcohol content is really kinda weak.
The variety pack i purchased only provides 1 Black Forest of the 6. feels like an autumnish beer.
Like I said, it really could really use more alcohol for sure.
★ 529 characters
3.3/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Type: 12-oz. bottle
Glass: 16-oz. glass
From: My aunt Jenny
Price: N/A for a variety 12-pack
Purchased: N/A
Consumed: Jan. 17, 2014
Misc.: N/A
Poured a pitch black color with 1-to-2 fingers of khaki tan head. Below average sporadic lacing on the sides. Minimal retention.
Smelled malt heavy, metallic, smoky wood fire, red malts and rye hops.
Tasted caramel, toffee, amber malt, light wood fire and overall a bit lighter than I thought it would be.
Medium body. Thin-to-oily texture. Soft carbonation. Abrupt finish.
Wasn’t a fan of this beer. I probably even overrated it a bit.
★ 586 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Type: 12-oz. bottle
Glass: 16-oz. glass
From: My aunt Jenny
Price: N/A for a variety 12-pack
Purchased: N/A
Consumed: Jan. 17, 2014
Misc.: N/A
Poured a pitch black color with 1-to-2 fingers of khaki tan head. Below average sporadic lacing on the sides. Minimal retention.
Smelled malt heavy, metallic, smoky wood fire, red malts and rye hops.
Tasted caramel, toffee, amber malt, light wood fire and overall a bit lighter than I thought it would be.
Medium body. Thin-to-oily texture. Soft carbonation. Abrupt finish.
Wasn’t a fan of this beer. I probably even overrated it a bit.
★ 586 characters
3.74/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A: Pours a clear but opaque very dark brownish amber (approaching black but not quite there) with light amounts of gentle visible carbonation along the surface of the beer and some cola brown highlights. The beer has a finger tall creamy foamy dark beige head that slowly reduces to a medium sized patch of thick film surrounded by a thin film covering the majority of the remainder of the surface of the beer and a medium thick ring at the edges of the glass. Light to moderate amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of dark and roasted malts with a light aroma of dark fruit sweetness.
T: Upfront there is a moderate flavor of lightly roasted malts and dark malts with just a hint of dark fruit (cherry) sweetness - kind of reminds me a bit of a German Black Forest Cake. Light notes of chocolate/cocoa. Light amounts of bitterness in the finish which fades pretty quickly.
M: Light bodied with light to moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth.
O: I think this is a pretty interesting beer with nice flavors/aromas for a less common style that is easily accessible. Easy to drink and definitely one I could have a couple during a single session.
★ 1,163 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A: Pours a clear but opaque very dark brownish amber (approaching black but not quite there) with light amounts of gentle visible carbonation along the surface of the beer and some cola brown highlights. The beer has a finger tall creamy foamy dark beige head that slowly reduces to a medium sized patch of thick film surrounded by a thin film covering the majority of the remainder of the surface of the beer and a medium thick ring at the edges of the glass. Light to moderate amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of dark and roasted malts with a light aroma of dark fruit sweetness.
T: Upfront there is a moderate flavor of lightly roasted malts and dark malts with just a hint of dark fruit (cherry) sweetness - kind of reminds me a bit of a German Black Forest Cake. Light notes of chocolate/cocoa. Light amounts of bitterness in the finish which fades pretty quickly.
M: Light bodied with light to moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth.
O: I think this is a pretty interesting beer with nice flavors/aromas for a less common style that is easily accessible. Easy to drink and definitely one I could have a couple during a single session.
★ 1,163 characters
3.25/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12 oz. bottle poured into pint glass.
A - Pours black, with just a hint of dark ruby showing at the bottom. More dark ruby when shown to light. No carbonation visible. A 1" head formed, which was tan in color and dissipated rather slowly. A very nice looking beer.
S - Roasted malts and a bit of lager dankness up front. Ever so subtle hints of dark fruit. Really not a whole lot going on, but not a bad smelling beer.
T - Kind of disappointed, because this beer is rated fairly high here. Not real impressed. Roasted and caramel malts up front, with a very subtle hint of cocoa. Mid mouth I noticed a hint of wheat (weird), as well as the dark fruits noted in the aroma. The taste really isn't bad, but the aftertaste isn't pleasant. A cheap sweetness is noticed. That really hurts the beer.
F - Felt ok. It's a thick style, so the beer was a bit thick. Not a bad beer to eat with a meal, but probably not something I'd drink on it's own.
O - Again, kind of disappointed. Due to the fact that this beer is rated high, I will try the other that came with the 12 Beers a Falling variety pack. Maybe it'll be better. But based on this, it's not a beer I'd buy again. Not a bad beer, but a cheap sweetness in the aftertaste kills a decent tasting "in-mouth" beer.
★ 1,265 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12 oz. bottle poured into pint glass.
A - Pours black, with just a hint of dark ruby showing at the bottom. More dark ruby when shown to light. No carbonation visible. A 1" head formed, which was tan in color and dissipated rather slowly. A very nice looking beer.
S - Roasted malts and a bit of lager dankness up front. Ever so subtle hints of dark fruit. Really not a whole lot going on, but not a bad smelling beer.
T - Kind of disappointed, because this beer is rated fairly high here. Not real impressed. Roasted and caramel malts up front, with a very subtle hint of cocoa. Mid mouth I noticed a hint of wheat (weird), as well as the dark fruits noted in the aroma. The taste really isn't bad, but the aftertaste isn't pleasant. A cheap sweetness is noticed. That really hurts the beer.
F - Felt ok. It's a thick style, so the beer was a bit thick. Not a bad beer to eat with a meal, but probably not something I'd drink on it's own.
O - Again, kind of disappointed. Due to the fact that this beer is rated high, I will try the other that came with the 12 Beers a Falling variety pack. Maybe it'll be better. But based on this, it's not a beer I'd buy again. Not a bad beer, but a cheap sweetness in the aftertaste kills a decent tasting "in-mouth" beer.
★ 1,265 characters
3.56/5 rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Poured very dark and cola-like with a large white head.
Smelled of chocolate with roasted wheaty undertones. I also noted a slightly acidic something at the end.
Tasted quite sweet, strong chocolate and vanilla from the outset. At the end I noticed an acidic bite that I did not find appealing.
Overall, not something I would buy again.
★ 341 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Poured very dark and cola-like with a large white head.
Smelled of chocolate with roasted wheaty undertones. I also noted a slightly acidic something at the end.
Tasted quite sweet, strong chocolate and vanilla from the outset. At the end I noticed an acidic bite that I did not find appealing.
Overall, not something I would buy again.
★ 341 characters
3.74/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from bottle into a pint glass
Appearance – The beer pours a dark brown cola color with a small fizzy white head. The head fades quite fast leaving some light lace on the sides of the glass.
Smell – The aroma is of a sweeter smell overall with lots of caramel mixed with some chocolate and vanilla. Along with these smells is a decent showing of roasted malt and a little bit of coffee. Other aromas of a more cola like nature are there as well; overall the aroma is sweet and dark smelling.
Taste – The taste begins with a sweet chocolate and roasted malt flavor. A good dose of caramel and vanilla are present as well. As the flavor moves from the initial it remains relatively constant with the roasted flavors growing slightly stronger in flavor. The roast flavors increase only to decrease once again toward the end of the taste. In the end, with a bit of more sweetness and chocolate coming to the taste, it leaves a nice sweet and roasted flavor on the tongue.
Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the slightly thicker side for a brew of 5.5 % with a rather average carbonation. Both are decent for the style as they make a drinkable brew while still maintaining some of the darker flavors of the brew.
Overall – A decent beer overall. A little on the sweeter side, but tasty overall.
★ 1,314 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from bottle into a pint glass
Appearance – The beer pours a dark brown cola color with a small fizzy white head. The head fades quite fast leaving some light lace on the sides of the glass.
Smell – The aroma is of a sweeter smell overall with lots of caramel mixed with some chocolate and vanilla. Along with these smells is a decent showing of roasted malt and a little bit of coffee. Other aromas of a more cola like nature are there as well; overall the aroma is sweet and dark smelling.
Taste – The taste begins with a sweet chocolate and roasted malt flavor. A good dose of caramel and vanilla are present as well. As the flavor moves from the initial it remains relatively constant with the roasted flavors growing slightly stronger in flavor. The roast flavors increase only to decrease once again toward the end of the taste. In the end, with a bit of more sweetness and chocolate coming to the taste, it leaves a nice sweet and roasted flavor on the tongue.
Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the slightly thicker side for a brew of 5.5 % with a rather average carbonation. Both are decent for the style as they make a drinkable brew while still maintaining some of the darker flavors of the brew.
Overall – A decent beer overall. A little on the sweeter side, but tasty overall.
★ 1,314 characters
3.07/5 rDev -17.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
very dark, almost a purple / black color with mild carbonation and mild head. Toasted, dark chocolate malt aroma. Too carbonated. Chocolate and toasted caramel notes for taste. Tastes almost like a light chocolate lager. Balanced mouthfeel, apart from the carbonation. Good schwarzbier.
★ 286 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
very dark, almost a purple / black color with mild carbonation and mild head. Toasted, dark chocolate malt aroma. Too carbonated. Chocolate and toasted caramel notes for taste. Tastes almost like a light chocolate lager. Balanced mouthfeel, apart from the carbonation. Good schwarzbier.
★ 286 characters
3.82/5 rDev +3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle purchased at Beers of the World in Henrietta, NY. A great dark session lager.
Pours dark brown. A one inch fizzy head forms, leaving very minimal lacing on the glass.
Smells like light roasted malt and chocolate.
Just enough roasted malt and grain in the flavor to keep this interesting. It certainly doesn't bash you over the head with the roast, but it's enough to keep it interesting. Slight malt sweetness that reminds of caramel and toasted bread. Grassy hop flavors.
Thin body, could be thicker to be truly great. Very drinkable, crisp and creamy mouthfeel. Well carbonated.
A simple dark lager that's good for drinking a few. The flavors and complexity won't knock your socks off, but it's still pretty flavorful, and one of Saranac's best beers.
★ 765 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle purchased at Beers of the World in Henrietta, NY. A great dark session lager.
Pours dark brown. A one inch fizzy head forms, leaving very minimal lacing on the glass.
Smells like light roasted malt and chocolate.
Just enough roasted malt and grain in the flavor to keep this interesting. It certainly doesn't bash you over the head with the roast, but it's enough to keep it interesting. Slight malt sweetness that reminds of caramel and toasted bread. Grassy hop flavors.
Thin body, could be thicker to be truly great. Very drinkable, crisp and creamy mouthfeel. Well carbonated.
A simple dark lager that's good for drinking a few. The flavors and complexity won't knock your socks off, but it's still pretty flavorful, and one of Saranac's best beers.
★ 765 characters
Saranac Black Forest from Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
3.71
out of 5
based on 1,113 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.25
I love a schwarzbier but this is entirely lackluster. How the "bros" rated this a 96 I'll never know. Arguably the worst I've had per style but still gets a marginal rating because these roasty German rarities are fairly few and far between and even a mediocre one is worth trying once imo.
★ 290 characters