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Shiner Black Lager

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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
PaceSession

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
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
roastedcoffeecaramel
roasted
coffee
caramel
spicy hop
chocolate
clean
Aroma
Restrained and elegant on the nose, leading with soft roasted grain and subtle coffee notes.
also:malty
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

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
Serve at 7–9°C

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

Pint glass

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

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Shiner Black Lager

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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.

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