hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Shiner Black Lager

Shiner
Tap to rate
🌍 United States · Schwarzbier · One of 57 Schwarzbiers in hopIQ

Shiner Black Lager, first brewed in 2007, is the brewery's interpretation of the German Schwarzbier. Roasted malts give it its near-black color, while Czech Saaz and Styrian hops keep it rooted in the Central European tradition. It is softer on the palate than the color suggests, with a subtle caramel sweetness, mild coffee and a little dark chocolate, a light spicy hop edge and a smooth, dry finish at 4.9 percent.

ABV
4.9%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter18 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark30
See all Schwarzbier alternatives →

AWARDS

Bronze · 2013
Australian International Beer Awards
Gold · 2012
Great American Beer Festival
Gold · 2012
European Beer Star
Bronze · 2011
Australian International Beer Awards
Bronze · 2011
European Beer Star
Silver · 2008
Australian International Beer Awards
★Bronze — Australian International Beer Awards
★Gold — Great American Beer Festival
★Gold — European Beer Star
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Lean body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Soft bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Crisp mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

The texture leads here, with everything else held in gentle reserve.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Schwarzbier.
Hop character
spicy hop
Malt character
roasted
coffee
caramel
chocolate
malty
Fermentation & yeast
clean

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Shiner Black Lager

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to near-black in the glass, with excellent clarity despite the dark roasted malt character. A modest, tan head forms and holds with fine, even lacing around the rim. Carbonation is gentle and appropriate to the style, creating a refined visual presence.

deep brown-blackclearfine lacinggentle carbonation

◌ Aroma

Restrained and elegant on the nose, leading with soft roasted grain and subtle coffee notes. Beneath lies a delicate caramel sweetness from the malt base, with just a whisper of dark chocolate. The Saaz and Styrian hops add a refined spice rather than pronounced herbal character, keeping the aroma grounded and traditional.

roasted graincoffeecaramelsubtle spice

◐ Taste

The palate opens surprisingly soft and approachable, belying the dark color. Mild coffee and dark chocolate emerge early, balanced by gentle caramel sweetness and a clean malt foundation. A light, peppery hop bitterness edges the mid-palate without dominating, while the finish dries cleanly with lingering roasted notes.

softcoffee-chocolatemild bitternessdry finish

◑ Finish

Crisp and dry with a smooth, unobtrusive aftertaste. The roasted malt character fades gradually, leaving only a faint spice impression and a clean palate.

drycleanroasted linger
76
hopIQ score
Aroma
74
Taste
76
Appearance
78
Finish
76
+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Shiner Black Lager

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 Shiner Black Lager

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 roasted, dry, coffee character as Shiner Black Lager 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 United States beers →