97. Krombacher Dark

To go with my dinner for tonight, I decided to go with the Krombacher Dark from Germany (http://www.krombacher.com).  I'm pretty sure I got this beer back in September, and I finally got around to drinking it now.  

The beer poured a very dark brown into a pilsner glass.  Gorgeous four finger head (vigorous pour) with plenty of retention and fluffy goodness.  Plenty of lacing on the sides of the glass.  Aromas of malt and some light chocolate, maybe some metal..?  

It didn't have a heavy flavor profile.  Malt, grain, a little bit of metal makes up the taste.  I know that people like bold, big, flavors, and while you may not get that here, I thought that it was a pretty good beer for the type.  The light flavors and body makes this easy drinking.  Medium carbonation gives a little bit of spiciness.  The metallic taste reminds me of Red Oak, and since I like that taste, I have no problems with Krombacher. I'd have again.

Grade: B

Price Paid: $2.29 (12 oz bottle)

50. Duck-Rabbit Schwarzbier

Duck-Rabbit hails from Farmville, NC and considers themselves dark beer specialists.  Their website (http://www.duckrabbitbrewery.com) needs some serious updates and upgrades.  I think very highly of their brews, it's a shame that their website is amateurish and not current.  Heck, if you tried to go there right now, you wouldn't know they offered a schwarzbier.  I think I got this particular bottle from The Beer Dispensary, but I could be wrong..it's been a while.

Anyway, this was my first time with a schwarzbier, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  It also didn't help that I'm pouring this thing almost two months later than the best-by date.  I'm crossing my fingers, hoping for the best!  It poured a near black color, with some light able to penetrate the edges.  There was a thin, tan head, with very light retention and no discernible lacing.  I could smell toasted malt, coffee, and chocolate, very similar characteristics to a porter or stout. 

And that's where the differences end.  It might smell like a porter/stout, but it doesn't taste like one.  I can still pick up the coffee and chocolate on the front end.  On the back end, it gets a sour finish.  There's probably a better way to explain it..maybe a hoppy finish, but the finish is mild and doesn't last like other beers I've had.  It's also not unpleasant..it's different and unexpected, but not unpleasant. The beer is also very light bodied, making this beer very drinkable.  I'll have to keep my eye out for other schwarzbiers..this one was very good.  I also need to try this beer when it's not two months after the best-by date.

Grade: B

Price Paid: $2.39 (12 oz bottle)