Saranac Black Diamond Bock | Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
Brewed by:
Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
New York, United States | website
Style: Bock
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.00%
Availability: Winter
Notes / Commercial Description:
Saranac Black Diamond Bock is a rich, malty brew, made with traditional German malts and hops and fermented with a lager yeast. Aged for months for a rich but smooth malty taste. A nice reward for enduring your winter months.
Added by Phatz on 12-14-2006
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 92 | Ratings: 121
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3.41/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured 1 1/2 bottles into a .5 liter stein,a nice pour a clear rich copper/bronze with a tight formed one finger slight off white head that settled into a creamy froth.Sweet caramel and bready malt in the nose with a hint of iron,grainy medium to full mouthfeel it coats the mouth well.Bready and grainy husk-like flavors up front with a touch of caramel sweetness but its quite dry with not alot of uniquness to it kinda bland.This has some nice things about it,its appearance and mouthfeel are good but it lacks flavor in my mind.
★ 532 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured 1 1/2 bottles into a .5 liter stein,a nice pour a clear rich copper/bronze with a tight formed one finger slight off white head that settled into a creamy froth.Sweet caramel and bready malt in the nose with a hint of iron,grainy medium to full mouthfeel it coats the mouth well.Bready and grainy husk-like flavors up front with a touch of caramel sweetness but its quite dry with not alot of uniquness to it kinda bland.This has some nice things about it,its appearance and mouthfeel are good but it lacks flavor in my mind.
★ 532 characters
3.53/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass.
A: Poured a clear coppery amber color with a nice 1/2" of white foamy head. Head dissipates to a thin uneven layer of bubbles and a nice ring around the glass. Lacing is quite good.
S: Moderate malts mingle with a bread-like yeasty aroma.
T: Medium caramel malts wash over the tongue with a mostly dry character, which is interesting for a bock. The malts are prominent but the overall flavor seems just shy of balance, giving way to the malts. The bitterness is definitely there but very sly and works well with the dry flavor profile. The finish is almost entirely of the malt, in a bit of a dry linger.
M&D: Mouthfeel is of medium weight on the palate, with a creamy disposition. Carbonation is relatively fine and light but works very well with the brew. This is a fairly easy drinking lager with an interesting twist as a bock.
★ 884 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass.
A: Poured a clear coppery amber color with a nice 1/2" of white foamy head. Head dissipates to a thin uneven layer of bubbles and a nice ring around the glass. Lacing is quite good.
S: Moderate malts mingle with a bread-like yeasty aroma.
T: Medium caramel malts wash over the tongue with a mostly dry character, which is interesting for a bock. The malts are prominent but the overall flavor seems just shy of balance, giving way to the malts. The bitterness is definitely there but very sly and works well with the dry flavor profile. The finish is almost entirely of the malt, in a bit of a dry linger.
M&D: Mouthfeel is of medium weight on the palate, with a creamy disposition. Carbonation is relatively fine and light but works very well with the brew. This is a fairly easy drinking lager with an interesting twist as a bock.
★ 884 characters
3.68/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I got this item at Wells, Baltimore for $3.99/6pack which is a pretty decent price for anything good these days. Pours brownish - deep gold with a very generous foamy head which may be an age related characteristic. There's a very pleasant malty aroma somewhat reminiscent of spent grain. This has a real bock taste, maybe toward a dopple in its profile but lighter and very drinkable. It seemed heavier and sweeter when drunk straight from the bottle. It's pretty well balanced right through the lingering finish and the head stuck around as well. Even though the malty flavor and slightly sweet tones eased up in time, they may put this beer out of the summer beer category. It would certainly be fine on a cool evening. For the price, an excellent beer. I'd have gotten more but it was only available refrigerated.
★ 817 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I got this item at Wells, Baltimore for $3.99/6pack which is a pretty decent price for anything good these days. Pours brownish - deep gold with a very generous foamy head which may be an age related characteristic. There's a very pleasant malty aroma somewhat reminiscent of spent grain. This has a real bock taste, maybe toward a dopple in its profile but lighter and very drinkable. It seemed heavier and sweeter when drunk straight from the bottle. It's pretty well balanced right through the lingering finish and the head stuck around as well. Even though the malty flavor and slightly sweet tones eased up in time, they may put this beer out of the summer beer category. It would certainly be fine on a cool evening. For the price, an excellent beer. I'd have gotten more but it was only available refrigerated.
★ 817 characters
3.32/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
poured into a nonic glass from a 12oz long neck brown bottle with a crimped on cap.
Clear medium copper color with a glowing reddish hue. Creamy 1" slightly off-white head dissapating quickly to a slight coating with a few bits of spotty lacing.Not a lot of visable carbination.
Very fruity and clean nose with some nutty,burnt,carmell aromas with some metallic aromas.Good clean moderate aromas
Fruity,tart,nutty,sweet slightly burnt carmellness.Some metallic tastes but not offensive. Finishes clean.crisp with some fruity tartness. Pleasing taste a good balance not a lot of hop flavors present.
Light mouthfeel a bit watery,smooth with a slight bit of grainess.
Good drinkability could drink a few, would get bored after a while with the taste a bit lacking. Not a bad beer,not one of the better ones from Saranac.
★ 832 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
poured into a nonic glass from a 12oz long neck brown bottle with a crimped on cap.
Clear medium copper color with a glowing reddish hue. Creamy 1" slightly off-white head dissapating quickly to a slight coating with a few bits of spotty lacing.Not a lot of visable carbination.
Very fruity and clean nose with some nutty,burnt,carmell aromas with some metallic aromas.Good clean moderate aromas
Fruity,tart,nutty,sweet slightly burnt carmellness.Some metallic tastes but not offensive. Finishes clean.crisp with some fruity tartness. Pleasing taste a good balance not a lot of hop flavors present.
Light mouthfeel a bit watery,smooth with a slight bit of grainess.
Good drinkability could drink a few, would get bored after a while with the taste a bit lacking. Not a bad beer,not one of the better ones from Saranac.
★ 832 characters
3.06/5 rDev -16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appears with a copper amber body and forms a large tan head leaves behind fine lace around my pint in evenly strung patterns. Aromatics have mild herbal nobleesque hops roasty caramel nut edge and sweetness nothing off here just a bit subdued overall. Flavor is upfront with malt sweetness roasted character just liquid bread right?...touch of bitterness from the herbal hop profile but they really don't stand out overall I felt the flavors were just muted and I like more expressive beer than this one has to offer. Mouthfeel is medium bodied a touch of syrup stickiness with even carbonation, no complaints in this department. Drinkability is decent I just come across other beers I'd rather invest my time in this one was just ummm okay for me.
★ 748 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appears with a copper amber body and forms a large tan head leaves behind fine lace around my pint in evenly strung patterns. Aromatics have mild herbal nobleesque hops roasty caramel nut edge and sweetness nothing off here just a bit subdued overall. Flavor is upfront with malt sweetness roasted character just liquid bread right?...touch of bitterness from the herbal hop profile but they really don't stand out overall I felt the flavors were just muted and I like more expressive beer than this one has to offer. Mouthfeel is medium bodied a touch of syrup stickiness with even carbonation, no complaints in this department. Drinkability is decent I just come across other beers I'd rather invest my time in this one was just ummm okay for me.
★ 748 characters
3.62/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle poured into a snifter.
A: Pours a clear copper with a 1.5 finger puffy white head. Fairly large bubbles in the head, just a touch of visible carbonation.
S: Fairly light roasted and fruity malts. A breadiness as well as almost a hay like grassines.
T: Malt forward with a hint of sweetness. Some carmel malts are what make it sweet I think. Not too much hop backing.
M: Medium bodied with average carbonation. Isnt too sticky which is a plus for this style. Pretty easy drinking.
Overall an average beer that works well in the winter season. Wouldnt seek it out on its own but has its place in the winter mix pack.
★ 636 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle poured into a snifter.
A: Pours a clear copper with a 1.5 finger puffy white head. Fairly large bubbles in the head, just a touch of visible carbonation.
S: Fairly light roasted and fruity malts. A breadiness as well as almost a hay like grassines.
T: Malt forward with a hint of sweetness. Some carmel malts are what make it sweet I think. Not too much hop backing.
M: Medium bodied with average carbonation. Isnt too sticky which is a plus for this style. Pretty easy drinking.
Overall an average beer that works well in the winter season. Wouldnt seek it out on its own but has its place in the winter mix pack.
★ 636 characters
3.18/5 rDev -13.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
(bottle- 12 oz. in crystal mug) Toasty amber, medium bitterness, medium body, slightly bitter. A pleasant beer for March and those in-between winter-spring moments... almost drinkable in larger quantities...should be included in their winter sampler next year...points for the goggled bear logo? This first review goes out to the Ryanza in State College...ratebeer and BeerAdvocate brotherhood unite!
★ 400 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
(bottle- 12 oz. in crystal mug) Toasty amber, medium bitterness, medium body, slightly bitter. A pleasant beer for March and those in-between winter-spring moments... almost drinkable in larger quantities...should be included in their winter sampler next year...points for the goggled bear logo? This first review goes out to the Ryanza in State College...ratebeer and BeerAdvocate brotherhood unite!
★ 400 characters
3.83/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Although not as malty as one might hope, Saranac's Black Diamond Bock does deliver some tasty and toasted malt. It pours a clear deep-copper body with glowing amber highlights beneath a creamy head of off-white that holds well and leaves thin sheets of spotty lace about the glass. The malty nose offers a welcoming caramelized-sugar note along with a decent amount of toastiness, backed by some very mild hops in the background. Across the tongue it's silky with a medium-light body and very-fine bubbled, moderate carbonation. The flavor is less sweet than the nose suggests, although the almost-scorched sugar/dark caramel side is still there. The full bitterness tends to tone it down. It becomes toasty, and somewhat dry across the middle, as some of the sugary malt fades and the bitterness rises. Some floral and leafy hops flitter here and there throughout, although they make their greatest impression in the dry finish. Unfortunately, some alcohol sneeks in there as well, which is odd because it's only 6% abv. Still, it's pretty well contained, and you don't really notice it until about halfway through the glass. Overall, enjoyable and drinkable.
★ 1,160 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Although not as malty as one might hope, Saranac's Black Diamond Bock does deliver some tasty and toasted malt. It pours a clear deep-copper body with glowing amber highlights beneath a creamy head of off-white that holds well and leaves thin sheets of spotty lace about the glass. The malty nose offers a welcoming caramelized-sugar note along with a decent amount of toastiness, backed by some very mild hops in the background. Across the tongue it's silky with a medium-light body and very-fine bubbled, moderate carbonation. The flavor is less sweet than the nose suggests, although the almost-scorched sugar/dark caramel side is still there. The full bitterness tends to tone it down. It becomes toasty, and somewhat dry across the middle, as some of the sugary malt fades and the bitterness rises. Some floral and leafy hops flitter here and there throughout, although they make their greatest impression in the dry finish. Unfortunately, some alcohol sneeks in there as well, which is odd because it's only 6% abv. Still, it's pretty well contained, and you don't really notice it until about halfway through the glass. Overall, enjoyable and drinkable.
★ 1,160 characters
3.44/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a rich amber color. 2 fingers head with mild lacing. Aromas of orange peel and cherries. Very malty with a slight hint of alcohol aftertaste. Great beer for the cold winter months. Good overall, I would recommend to people that like other bocks.
★ 251 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a rich amber color. 2 fingers head with mild lacing. Aromas of orange peel and cherries. Very malty with a slight hint of alcohol aftertaste. Great beer for the cold winter months. Good overall, I would recommend to people that like other bocks.
★ 251 characters
3.68/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
This had a rich copper appearance but was not as dark as I had imagined it might be; it poured with a decently creamy yet fast disapating head.
This had a nice "micro brew type" smell to it... by that I mean aroma hops and a malty/caramel quality in the nose up front. The initial mouthfeel is lagerlike and like and the secondary push is of dark malts and wheat sweetness and although the mouthfeel does get full and slightly chewy it never reaches the level of big body-ness that I was looking for- and this would be fine if the aftertaste was clean- but its not- it still is tinged with the toasted wheatiness and maltiness.
I would drink a few of these, and I reckon these are best right out of the tap.
★ 711 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
This had a rich copper appearance but was not as dark as I had imagined it might be; it poured with a decently creamy yet fast disapating head.
This had a nice "micro brew type" smell to it... by that I mean aroma hops and a malty/caramel quality in the nose up front. The initial mouthfeel is lagerlike and like and the secondary push is of dark malts and wheat sweetness and although the mouthfeel does get full and slightly chewy it never reaches the level of big body-ness that I was looking for- and this would be fine if the aftertaste was clean- but its not- it still is tinged with the toasted wheatiness and maltiness.
I would drink a few of these, and I reckon these are best right out of the tap.
★ 711 characters
3.8/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
The beer poured a dark, clear, amber color in the pint glass with about one half inch of head, which quickly disappered. It smells of sweet malt and fruit-maybe apple or raison. Also a note of alcohol. Tastes sweet and malty, not much hop taste that I could detect, some alcohol present. Mouthfeel is medium and is fairly well carbonated. This is a tasty beer and easy to drink. I like this more than other Saranac brews I have tried. I would definately buy more, especially since I found this on sale for $14.99 for a case.
★ 524 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
The beer poured a dark, clear, amber color in the pint glass with about one half inch of head, which quickly disappered. It smells of sweet malt and fruit-maybe apple or raison. Also a note of alcohol. Tastes sweet and malty, not much hop taste that I could detect, some alcohol present. Mouthfeel is medium and is fairly well carbonated. This is a tasty beer and easy to drink. I like this more than other Saranac brews I have tried. I would definately buy more, especially since I found this on sale for $14.99 for a case.
★ 524 characters
3.75/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
This is my second style from the High Peaks series, and I have to say that so far I'm enjoying them. Nice representation of the style. Loaded with malts from front to back. Has a dry sherry-like mouthfeel. I felt that there were some imbalances though. There could have been a little more alcoholic bite; the flavors were reversely muted, almost there, but not. I guess they weren't performing up to their potential(s).
At 6.99 a six-pack, this is the best beer going right now.
★ 481 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
This is my second style from the High Peaks series, and I have to say that so far I'm enjoying them. Nice representation of the style. Loaded with malts from front to back. Has a dry sherry-like mouthfeel. I felt that there were some imbalances though. There could have been a little more alcoholic bite; the flavors were reversely muted, almost there, but not. I guess they weren't performing up to their potential(s).
At 6.99 a six-pack, this is the best beer going right now.
★ 481 characters
3.85/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A good, malty brew that was vey good with beef stew. Pours a medium amber with a small head. Smell is extremely malty and inviting. Taste follows the smell..sweet at the start, strong malt backbone. Mouthfeel is very nice...creamy and smooth. Very easy on the drinkability scale. Could quaff more than one.
★ 306 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A good, malty brew that was vey good with beef stew. Pours a medium amber with a small head. Smell is extremely malty and inviting. Taste follows the smell..sweet at the start, strong malt backbone. Mouthfeel is very nice...creamy and smooth. Very easy on the drinkability scale. Could quaff more than one.
★ 306 characters
3.1/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
This offering from Saranac pours out of the bottle a caramel brown leaving a thick tan head that stays with this brew. The aroma is brown sugar, slight sour twinge, herbal grassy notes, very faint nose. The taste starts sour/tart upfront followed by a small caramel maltiness but dominated by a sour feel on the palate. The finish is weak and watery overall subpar beer nothing I will return to again.
★ 401 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
This offering from Saranac pours out of the bottle a caramel brown leaving a thick tan head that stays with this brew. The aroma is brown sugar, slight sour twinge, herbal grassy notes, very faint nose. The taste starts sour/tart upfront followed by a small caramel maltiness but dominated by a sour feel on the palate. The finish is weak and watery overall subpar beer nothing I will return to again.
★ 401 characters
3.23/5 rDev -12.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
A: Pours a dark reddish hue color with a creamy off white head.
S: Light caramel and bread notes on nose.
T: Toasted grain and bread highlight the palate with a nice dark caramel presence and lacing on the tongue. Some citrus hopping.
M: body is moderate and nicely balanced flavor wise along with a good earthy bitterness.
D: Overall flavor is decent and non offending and light enough to make for a decent session bock. Not a fan but this is one of their better attempts.
★ 480 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
A: Pours a dark reddish hue color with a creamy off white head.
S: Light caramel and bread notes on nose.
T: Toasted grain and bread highlight the palate with a nice dark caramel presence and lacing on the tongue. Some citrus hopping.
M: body is moderate and nicely balanced flavor wise along with a good earthy bitterness.
D: Overall flavor is decent and non offending and light enough to make for a decent session bock. Not a fan but this is one of their better attempts.
★ 480 characters
3.63/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12 ounce bottle. Served in a Sam Adams BL glass, the beer pours a clear amber/copper color with an inch and a half frothy off-white head. Head retention is very good, lacing is OK. It smells like sweet malt, caramel and bread. The aroma is on the light side, but it's still nice. Taste is similar to the aroma, but with the addition of some hops in the finish. Taste is stronger than the aroma. Mouthfeel/body is medium, but with above average carbonation, too much for my liking. Drinkability is average, but the high carbonation doesn't work for me. Overall I think it's a decent beer, but it could be better.
★ 611 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12 ounce bottle. Served in a Sam Adams BL glass, the beer pours a clear amber/copper color with an inch and a half frothy off-white head. Head retention is very good, lacing is OK. It smells like sweet malt, caramel and bread. The aroma is on the light side, but it's still nice. Taste is similar to the aroma, but with the addition of some hops in the finish. Taste is stronger than the aroma. Mouthfeel/body is medium, but with above average carbonation, too much for my liking. Drinkability is average, but the high carbonation doesn't work for me. Overall I think it's a decent beer, but it could be better.
★ 611 characters
3.98/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A - A warm syrupy brown with reddish undertones... Dancing spiraling carbonation... Thin, but creamy head... Looks warm and inviting...
S - Malts first and foremost... Burnt sugar... A text book bock smell... If anything it lacks for complexity...
T - Malts and hops... The hops are much more than expected, but a pleasant surprise... Kind of biting for Bock... Malts lead to intense hops which then lead the palette to a nice combination of malts and hops on the back end...
M - Creamy and smooth... Finishes dry was the hops take shape on the palette...
D - Solid offering... The Hop context to this Bock makes it a keeper... I could enjoy a couple and that's a good thing because I just bought a case on a whim...
★ 722 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A - A warm syrupy brown with reddish undertones... Dancing spiraling carbonation... Thin, but creamy head... Looks warm and inviting...
S - Malts first and foremost... Burnt sugar... A text book bock smell... If anything it lacks for complexity...
T - Malts and hops... The hops are much more than expected, but a pleasant surprise... Kind of biting for Bock... Malts lead to intense hops which then lead the palette to a nice combination of malts and hops on the back end...
M - Creamy and smooth... Finishes dry was the hops take shape on the palette...
D - Solid offering... The Hop context to this Bock makes it a keeper... I could enjoy a couple and that's a good thing because I just bought a case on a whim...
★ 722 characters
3.58/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
I wanted to like this one. Gorgeous brown color in the glass, nice head retention, bright hops and toasted malt in the nose. The initial taste left something to be desired, however. The alcohol taste was just a bit overpowering. The balance was OK, but rather than quietly warm you as you drink, it was a bit "in your face" all the way down. (I know, I'm a lightweight.) Don't get me wrong, for the style it was worth trying. But not quite as drinkable--enjoyable--as I had hoped when I picked it up.
★ 500 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
I wanted to like this one. Gorgeous brown color in the glass, nice head retention, bright hops and toasted malt in the nose. The initial taste left something to be desired, however. The alcohol taste was just a bit overpowering. The balance was OK, but rather than quietly warm you as you drink, it was a bit "in your face" all the way down. (I know, I'm a lightweight.) Don't get me wrong, for the style it was worth trying. But not quite as drinkable--enjoyable--as I had hoped when I picked it up.
★ 500 characters
3.47/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Clear amber - very little visible carbonation. Thin head of foam eventually disappears to nothing. Smells of toasted malts, caramel, brown sugar, and pale fruits. Smooth, rich malt and faint spiced fruit flavors. Medium bodied with low carbonation.
Not bad at all.
★ 267 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Clear amber - very little visible carbonation. Thin head of foam eventually disappears to nothing. Smells of toasted malts, caramel, brown sugar, and pale fruits. Smooth, rich malt and faint spiced fruit flavors. Medium bodied with low carbonation.
Not bad at all.
★ 267 characters
4.07/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Looks- nice dark white, 2 finger head that stayed for a while topped a dark amber yet clear brew. This looks appealing.
smell- a sweet malty, breadish nose masked a TINY hop twang. The bock is here for the malt and that's it.
taste- a sweet, creamy, malt accented by some biscuit tones met my pallet. The sweetness lingered for a while and finished, well on the sweet side. A faint note of hops were present all the while but the maltiness dominated. The alcohol was present at the finish although in a very subtle way.
mouthfeel- was somewhat creamy and nicely carbonated.
drinkability- very. Another nice beer from F.X. Matt. True to style, this is one of the better bock beers that I can remember having. Good job and I recommend.
★ 737 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Looks- nice dark white, 2 finger head that stayed for a while topped a dark amber yet clear brew. This looks appealing.
smell- a sweet malty, breadish nose masked a TINY hop twang. The bock is here for the malt and that's it.
taste- a sweet, creamy, malt accented by some biscuit tones met my pallet. The sweetness lingered for a while and finished, well on the sweet side. A faint note of hops were present all the while but the maltiness dominated. The alcohol was present at the finish although in a very subtle way.
mouthfeel- was somewhat creamy and nicely carbonated.
drinkability- very. Another nice beer from F.X. Matt. True to style, this is one of the better bock beers that I can remember having. Good job and I recommend.
★ 737 characters
4.3/5 rDev +16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A Poured a nice deep and very crystal clear amber. A good sized, three inch or more head formed on the top and actually had some very nice staying power to it. After a few minutes it gradually receded, leaving behind loads of side glass lace that coated the glass for a while. A good amount of carbonation was evident here as chains of bubbles streaked through to the surface throughout the entire session. A very nice look overall for the style, and no doubt that it had a lot of life left in that bottle.
S Aroma was somewhat muted, not as strong as I would have thought. First impression was of a slightly cereal like graininess that was mixed in with a somewhat earthy, or grass like back to it. A slightly sweet presence was also noticeable, perhaps a light caramel or honey maybe, not strong but just enough to pick up. Overall the aroma was light, but yet still very pleasant. Typical malt lager like smell.
T Very smooth, and had a definite bite to it. At first it had a nice earthy malt character to it and that pretty much dominated the flavor. As it started to warm up some more pronounced flavors began to trickle in. A decent amount of grassy notes and even a touch of some banana like characters were noted. A touch of spice in the finish seemed to give it a little bite and helped to give it that little bit extra it needed to make it stand out. Some residual sweetness left over in the aftertaste lingered around for quite a few minutes before again being replaced by that earthy malt flavor to round it out. A classic taste for the style, but with a little bit of a bite.
M Very clean and crisp feel. Nothing slick or watered down here, this one was all flavor and lots of carbonation from the very start. Kept its lively feeling throughout and never really was a let down. Good crisp feeling to it, definatly refreshing and a decent body overall, albeit somewhat on the light side.
D Very very nice. This was easily sessionable even by moderate standards. It was very clean and light drinking, not leaving much of an aftertaste, and not being very filling either. Had a lot of carbonation which never really let up and kept going until the very end. These made it go down almost like water, though a tad bit thicker and with a better taste. Good easily be an all nighter.
Overall this was more then pleasant, and was actually a pleasurable brew to enjoy. A good overall session or dinner brew, I had no issues with it at all. Now it was not anything fancy or abnormally special in any way, just a good solid offering. I would definitely not turn it down if it was offered my way again, unfortunately they really do not ever make it down here. But never the less, glad I could try it and look forward to some more seasonals from Saranac.
★ 2,790 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A Poured a nice deep and very crystal clear amber. A good sized, three inch or more head formed on the top and actually had some very nice staying power to it. After a few minutes it gradually receded, leaving behind loads of side glass lace that coated the glass for a while. A good amount of carbonation was evident here as chains of bubbles streaked through to the surface throughout the entire session. A very nice look overall for the style, and no doubt that it had a lot of life left in that bottle.
S Aroma was somewhat muted, not as strong as I would have thought. First impression was of a slightly cereal like graininess that was mixed in with a somewhat earthy, or grass like back to it. A slightly sweet presence was also noticeable, perhaps a light caramel or honey maybe, not strong but just enough to pick up. Overall the aroma was light, but yet still very pleasant. Typical malt lager like smell.
T Very smooth, and had a definite bite to it. At first it had a nice earthy malt character to it and that pretty much dominated the flavor. As it started to warm up some more pronounced flavors began to trickle in. A decent amount of grassy notes and even a touch of some banana like characters were noted. A touch of spice in the finish seemed to give it a little bite and helped to give it that little bit extra it needed to make it stand out. Some residual sweetness left over in the aftertaste lingered around for quite a few minutes before again being replaced by that earthy malt flavor to round it out. A classic taste for the style, but with a little bit of a bite.
M Very clean and crisp feel. Nothing slick or watered down here, this one was all flavor and lots of carbonation from the very start. Kept its lively feeling throughout and never really was a let down. Good crisp feeling to it, definatly refreshing and a decent body overall, albeit somewhat on the light side.
D Very very nice. This was easily sessionable even by moderate standards. It was very clean and light drinking, not leaving much of an aftertaste, and not being very filling either. Had a lot of carbonation which never really let up and kept going until the very end. These made it go down almost like water, though a tad bit thicker and with a better taste. Good easily be an all nighter.
Overall this was more then pleasant, and was actually a pleasurable brew to enjoy. A good overall session or dinner brew, I had no issues with it at all. Now it was not anything fancy or abnormally special in any way, just a good solid offering. I would definitely not turn it down if it was offered my way again, unfortunately they really do not ever make it down here. But never the less, glad I could try it and look forward to some more seasonals from Saranac.
★ 2,790 characters
Saranac Black Diamond Bock from Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
3.68
out of 5
based on 121 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice, not many straight-up bocks on the market and a great way to wet the palate for this round of tastings. Dark amber color, good clarity showing here. The head drops some sticky lacing on the glass. Very clean nose with a bit of toasted malt and hop twang. Lots of smoothness with a creamy medium body. Hint of clean alcohol middle to end, maltiness goes from a mellow sweetness to more of a bread crust bite. Hops come jump for balance with a quick splash of herbal flavor. Finishes a little malty sweet.
Right on target and very clean. I'm diggin this beer a lot, to hell with it being a winter seasonal ... brew it year round.
★ 633 characters