Written by Sam Adams Black Lager is another one of ‘those beers’ that I probably would not buy aside from the fact that they are included in some of the variety packs. Finding beers like this one or the Boston Lager used to irritate me because I always wanted the more of the seasonal ‘special’ beers, and not the regular stuff.
But looking back, I’m glad they do include beers from the regular rotation because I’ve found that I really like the Black and Boston Lager!
I’m also aware that I still have some hesitation concerning beers with Lager in the name. I call it my lager aversion, and I think its semi-permanent psychic damage from years of big-brewer advertising. Again, thanks Sam Adams for forcing these gems upon me!
So getting on to the Sam Adams Black Lager, or to call it by its proper name, Schwarzbier, I thought it pretty good to enjoy almost any time of the year. Yes, its dark, very dark actually, but the body is not heavy, nor is it sticky or unpleasant. Clean enough to drink in the warmer months of the year for sure.
But the taste is a more robust than a pale-yellow lager. Maltier, with some notable roasty flavors make this a great beer for the cooler months as well – especially if you don’t want the chewiness of something like a stout.
As a matter of opinion, based on the interesting flavors offered, this beer could easily pass for an ale if that matters. (It doesn’t, really.) I keep going back to this lager-aversion thing where in my mind lager = pilsner and every sip of this Schwarzbier surprises the heck out of me!
I know its something I need to work on, and so I think I’ll just keep doing what I have been doing and continue to look forward to the ‘regular’ beers found in the Sam Adams variety packs! This one, in particular, was a winner for me and has me curious to try other Black Lagers. Any suggestions?
Rating: 
Scott – TheBrewClub
The Dixie Brewing Company out of New Orleans has a decent Black Lager. Honestly though, I have never been a huge fan of black lagers. I “want” to like them because they are very attractive and it seems that a lot of people really enjoy them, but for some odd reason I can’t wrap my palate around that style. Glad to hear you really enjoyed this one though.
Cheers.
Hey Scott – I have that problem with some beers named after colors. Brown Ales and Amber Ales immediately come to mind. I have a hard time appreciating them for some reason.
This Black Lager was pretty good, and while I liked the samples in last year’s variety pack, I haven’t gone out and bought a sixer of it either!
Hey Scott, if you look back, I reviewed half a dozen dark lagers for The Brewclub back in the summer of 2009. Dark Lagers (known as Tmave in the Czech Republic) tended to be brewed slightly less strong than other lagers and so were regarded as “women’s drinks”.
That said, I recall Bohemia Regent, Herold and Budweiser (the real stuff, from the Czech Republic) all producing excellent dark lagers. Dark Budweiser is available on draught in a few bars in London.
And I have very fond recollections of an evening in Hong Kong back in 1997 drinking dark Tsing Tao lager.
Bob,
Thanks for the suggestions. I need to give Black Lagers another go I guess. I’ll try to keep an eye out. I’m sure that I can find one or two that I really dig.
Cheers,
Scott
Tried this and wasn’t impressed at all. Same goes for Guinness Black Lager. The Sam Adams Black tasted “burnt” to me, like they tried to give it a more robust roasted taste but just over did it.
When I want my beer black, I’ll stick to stouts and porters.
@Steve – I know what you mean, but I think that’s exactly why I liked it! A little more of a malty, roasty flavor but lighter body than a stout. I dunno, its not a favorite style of mine but I could still see enjoying it now and then.
Just tried a Xingu Black Beer and thought it was pretty decent….