Monteith's Black

◎ Appearance

Deep mahogany to near-black in the glass, with excellent clarity despite the dark malt bill. A dense, tan head forms quickly and clings to the rim with persistent Schaumhaftung. Moderate carbonation creates a lively visual presence without aggression.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced coffee character—roasted, slightly bitter, and inviting. Beneath lie subtle notes of dark caramel and toasted grain from the five-malt blend, with just enough roasted complexity to avoid one-dimensionality. No hop aroma intrudes; the focus remains squarely on malt expression.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and malty, with coffee notes dominating the mid-palate—not sharp or burnt, but rounded and integrated with sweet caramel undertones. The body carries weight without heaviness, and a measured bitterness (22 IBU) arrives late to provide structure and crisp definition. Dark fruit whispers emerge on the sides of the tongue, grounding the sweetness.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and moderately persistent, drying slightly as roasted and coffee notes linger. No harsh astringency or unpleasant harshness—instead, a gentle fade that leaves the palate refreshed rather than coated.