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Black Betty

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Schwarzbier from brewmaster Klemens Schell and one of the recurring specialities beside the house Helles and Dunkel; in 2017 three hectolitres of it were shipped to a German restaurant in Shanghai. It pours a very dark, slightly brownish black under a stable head. Tasters describe a malt-led, chocolatey palate with caramel and a pleasant roast that carries through, ending mild and easy-drinking rather than sharply bitter. Poured on draught at the brewpub on Aegidientorplatz when it is in season.

ABV
5.4%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark30
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
chocolatemaltyroasted
chocolate
malty
roasted
caramel
clean
coffee
Aroma
The nose leads with soft, bready malt notes underscored by subtle chocolate and caramel sweetness.
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Black Betty

◎ Appearance

Black Betty presents a deep, dark brown-black body that catches light with subtle mahogany undertones, characteristic of a well-crafted Schwarzbier. The head is stable and substantial, clinging to the glass with visible retention. Carbonation is moderate and even, supporting the refined visual presentation.

deep brown-blackstable headmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with soft, bready malt notes underscored by subtle chocolate and caramel sweetness. Pleasant roasted grain aromas emerge without harshness or burnt character, while noble hop undertones provide a gentle herbal frame. The overall bouquet is restrained and approachable, inviting rather than aggressive.

chocolate, caramelroasted grainnoble hops

◐ Taste

Entry is malt-forward and slightly sweet, with chocolate and caramel flavors developing across the mid-palate. A pleasant, controlled roast carries through the taste without dominance, balanced by a mild bitterness (25 IBU) that surfaces gently in the finish. The beer drinks smooth and easy, with no sharp edges or excessive bite.

malt-led, chocolateycaramel sweetnessmild bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and brief, allowing the gentle roast character to fade without lingering harshness. A subtle dry note emerges, leaving the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.

clean, dryeasy-drinking
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
76
Taste
78
Appearance
80
Finish
77
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Black Betty

Serve at 7–9°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

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

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

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

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Black Betty

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 chocolate, malty, roasted character as Black Betty will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Schwarzbiers in hopIQ

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