Ridge Tree

◎ Appearance

Ridge Tree pours a pitch-black body with deep mahogany hues visible only at the edges when held to light. The head forms as a dense, tan collar with strong schaumhaftung down the glass. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, presenting a composed, refined visual profile for a dark lager.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with prominent cacao and roasted malt aromas, layered beneath dried date notes that speak to the floor-malted Bohemian dark pilsner base. A subtle noble-hop character emerges—herbal and restrained—while the roasted German malts contribute toasted pumpernickel complexity. The overall aromatic impression is balanced and malty-forward, without aggressive heat or phenolics.

◐ Taste

The palate opens soft and dry, with the cacao character asserting itself immediately across the mid-palate. Toasted and roasted grain qualities build steadily, reinforced by the Bohemian dark pilsner's breadth and the Czech Saaz's gentle, measured bitterness. At 4.5% ABV, the beer drinks notably lighter than its appearance suggests, with clean grain focus and no cloying sweetness, while a dry finish emerges cleanly.

◑ Finish

The finish is notably dry and warming, with bitterness persisting gently into the aftertaste. Despite the modest alcohol level, a subtle heat carries through the close, leaving the palate clean and ready for the next sip.