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Cave-Aged Barrel-Aged

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Sweet caramel, toasted oak and soft vanilla layer through this 10% black lager, which matures for months in the historic caves beneath the brewery before its annual fall release. It ages in a different whiskey barrel each year; the 2025 edition used Tattersall Distilling rye barrels. Before refrigeration, workers cut ice from the river and stored it in these caves under sawdust.

ABV
10%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark30
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
carameloakvanilla
caramel
oak
vanilla
roasted
clean
coffee
Aroma
Caramel sweetness dominates the nose, layered with toasted oak and soft vanilla notes that emerge from months of barrel aging.
also:malty
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Cave-Aged Barrel-Aged

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet-brown with opaque body and minimal transmitted light, characteristic of the Schwarzbier style. A modest tan head forms and recedes to a thin collar, with fine lacing adhering to the glass wall. Carbonation is restrained, allowing the substantial malt density to dominate visually.

deep brownopaquethin lacing

◌ Aroma

Caramel sweetness dominates the nose, layered with toasted oak and soft vanilla notes that emerge from months of barrel aging. Beneath lie gentle roasted malt undertones and hints of rye whiskey barrel spice. The alcohol at 10% ABV is well integrated and does not dominate.

caramel-forwardtoasted oakvanillabarrel spice

◐ Taste

The palate opens with rich caramel and toffee, followed by pronounced oak and vanilla mid-palate that balance the beer's boozy warmth. Roasted malt and subtle coffee notes add depth, while moderate bitterness (25 IBU) remains restrained and clean. The finish is smooth and malty, with lingering sweetness.

carameloak influencesmooth boozy warmth

◑ Finish

The aftertaste extends with residual caramel and vanilla, fading gradually into a dry, roasted malt baseline. Warmth persists gently without harshness, leaving a clean, slightly sweet impression on the palate.

lingering carameldry malt finish
85
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
86
Appearance
78
Finish
82
Serve at 7–9°C

Serve at 7–9°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Cave-Aged Barrel-Aged

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About Schwarzbier

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Schwarzbier?

Schwarzbier is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Schwarzbier

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same caramel, oak, vanilla character as Cave-Aged Barrel-Aged will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Schwarzbier beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →