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Black Lager

Virginia
United States
Black Lager by Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
93
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

Derived from the recipes of medieval Germanic brewers, our Black Lager embodies a millennium of refinement. Schwarzbier (literally: black beer) originates from eastern Germany and is a window into pre-modern brewing. Medieval brewers browned barley over open flames; today we get the characteristically subtle roasted flavor by using the finest toasted malts. This sophisticated little gem is fermented with lager yeast, and finishes quick and dry. Take this modern treasure home to your castle today! Subtle, Smooth, Coffee.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.1%
IBUs: 
22
Hops: 
Northern Brewer, Saaz
Malts: 
Carafe 2 Special, Dark Munich, Melanoidin, Cara-Red, Pilsner
Judges Review 
James Link's picture
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This beer was appraised as an 8A Schwarzbier following the guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program in 2015.

Schwarzbiers are not the run of the mill German lagers in that they are the only lagers that manifest a roasted malt character. The aforementioned roast is first evident here in the aroma which is rich and cleanly expressed. Bready malt notes are also present and blend nicely with the darker grains.

A dark brown almost black colored beer with mahogany edges that support a light tan head.

The flavor profile expresses only a subtle roast that balances appropriately with the base grains and avoids the sharpness often delivered by highly kilned malts. Hops are of a Noble variety and are suitably subdued.

A medium bodied lager with moderate alcoholic warmth that leads into a dry finish. An excellent example of the style with just the right touch of darkened malts to please.

Brewery Introduction

One might say the spark for the idea behind the brewery happened in 1992 with a visit to Cortina, Italy. Founders, Steve and Heidi Crandall were on a ski trip and were introduced to a German beer called Weihenstephan. This first real “craft” beer experience started a trend in the Crandall... Read More

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