hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

WEST Black

Tap to rate

A fabulous smooth black beer brewed in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot using only water, malt, hops and yeast. All the hints of chocolate and coffee you'd expect of a stout without any of the bitterness. Glasgow's finest Schwarzbier.

ABV
4.6%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark38
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
roastedchocolatecoffee
roasted
chocolate
coffee
malty
toasty
clean
Aroma
The nose leads with roasted grain and dark chocolate, soft and inviting without the sharp bite of a stout.
also:yeasty,dark fruit
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for WEST Black

◎ Appearance

Deep black with a subtle ruby translucence at the edges when held to light. A dense tan head forms quickly and clings to the glass with fine, persistent lacing. The carbonation is gentle and even, creating a refined, creamy texture rather than aggressive effervescence.

deep blackfine lacingcreamy head

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with roasted grain and dark chocolate, soft and inviting without the sharp bite of a stout. Subtle coffee notes emerge beneath, along with a faint toasty sweetness from the Malz. A clean, restrained yeast character adds definition without overwhelming the malt-driven profile.

roasted graindark chocolatesubtle coffee

◐ Taste

The palate opens smooth and malty, with chocolate and coffee flavors developing gradually across the mid-palate. Bitterness is restrained at 25 IBU, allowing the roasted malt character to remain the focal point. The finish is clean and slightly crisp, with a light, dry quality that prevents any heaviness despite the dark appearance.

smooth maltlow bitternessbalanced roasted notes

◑ Finish

The aftertaste fades quickly and cleanly, leaving only a whisper of chocolate and toast on the palate. There is no lingering harshness or astringency, making this beer exceptionally drinkable despite its dark color.

clean finishlight aftertaste
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
84
Appearance
81
Finish
80
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with WEST Black

More from WEST Brewery

DRK
DRK
Dunkel
4.9%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Feierabend
Feierabend
German Pilsner
4.6%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
G40
G40
Golden Ale
4.2%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
GPA
GPA
Pale Ale
4.4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Haus Pilsner
Haus Pilsner
German Pilsner
4.6%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Heidi-Weisse
Munich Red
Munich Red
Amber Lager
4.9%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
NIX Pale Ale
NIX Pale Ale
Alcohol-Free Pale Ale
0.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

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

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