Samuel Adams Black Larger - Friday Beer O'Clock Selection 5-27-2011
My wife's nephew is a young 23-ish year-old budding beer enthusiast - I like to think I had some influence on that - and has learned early that Bud (mud), Miller, et al, do not leave much to consider in terms of defining "good" beer once you've crossed the line to micro and craft brews. This week, he passed along a Samuel Adams Black Larger to me after learning that I had not tried it yet.
On inspection, some might think this would be a Porter, or Stout, both traditionally British style ales, but this style is based on a Schwarzbier (Black Beer), a traditional beer style from Eastern Germany that uses a bottom fermenting larger yeast.
ABV: 4.90%
Appearance: Poured into a beer mug with a dark brown color forming a one finger tan head that receded to a thing broken layer across the surface with some lacing. Color is very dark, almost black and reveals accents of red and amber when held to the light. There is also a "fizzy" quality similar to soda but much less active.
Aroma: Amazing roasted malts kick the senses into high gear right from the start with notes of molasses, coffee, chocolate and a hint of hops.
Taste: Up front is a mix of delicious roasted malts and caramel, adding some sweetness before mingling with some coffee, chocolate in the middle and some type of fruit, and finally picking up a touch of smooth mild bitter hops in the end. In the end, all very well balanced.
Feel: With the "fizziness" from the pour, I expected a bit of an edge in the feel, but instead I got a nice smooth medium carbonated body that weighed in on the lighter side of medium, crisp and refreshing
Drinkability: I'm putting this on the higher end of the drinkability scale. I could easily pass the time disposing of a few of these with some friends, and with the lower ABV, this makes a good session brew.
Tried this one yourself? What did you think?
