Black Smoked Lager

◎ Appearance

Deep mahogany brown with a near-black tint in the glass, presenting excellent clarity despite its dark complexion. A dense, persistent tan head forms and clings tenaciously to the rim, leaving fine Schaumhaftung on descent. Carbonation appears moderate and well-integrated, supporting the visual structure without excessive aggression.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with prominent beechwood smoke—earthy, slightly resinous, and evocative of a traditional German Rauchbier. Soft roasted malt and toasted grain notes emerge beneath, grounding the smoke in a gentle sweetness rather than allowing it to dominate. A thread of dark fruit character weaves through, with subtle spice undertones that suggest the long lagering has integrated all elements into a cohesive whole.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and vollmundig, with smoke and roasted malt establishing themselves immediately. The mid-palate develops a pleasant toastiness with hints of caramel sweetness, while restrained bittering (22 IBU) provides definition without harshness. Dark fruit flavors—plum and raisin—surface gently, creating depth without interference from the smoke, which remains present but not aggressive.

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is clean and crisp, with lingering smoke and a subtle drying quality that invites another sip. The 5% ABV allows the finish to remain refreshing and composed, never warm or overly bitter, leaving a pleasant toasted malt memory.