Nov 14, 2011

Guinness Black Lager

Guinness Black Lager

Each beer that I personally buy for myself and this blog is driven out of a genuine curiosity and interest in that beer. I really want to like it so that I can have an excuse to buy more of it. This bottle of Guinness Black Lager, however, is the first brew I can think of that I bought specifically for review — I just don’t have any interest in it beyond that.

It’s not that I don’t like the style. Both Saranac and Sam Adams make varieties of the black lager that I enjoy thoroughly. And it’s not like this particular example of the style is even bad. It just doesn’t interest me. If I want a Guinness product then I’m going to go to a joint that pours a decent pint — and then sit down to have a few. So, without further nonsense from me, I present to you the first (and hopefully last) beer purchased solely for review.

Appearance

The beer pours near black in color with a large, rocky head.

Aroma

It’s got a rather one dimensional nose with elements of roasted malt and a touch of coffee.

Taste

The flavors follow the nose almost to a tee. It’s a fairly straightforward beer with a crisp mouthfeel and medium body. The roasted malt is not too roasty and sits at an approachable level as the beer transitions to a relatively dry finish. At 4.5% ABV it’s a rather drinkable beer, as well.

Overall

I wasn’t expecting much from the beer and I pretty much got just that. It’s easy drinking with a decent dark roast character, but just doesn’t offer me much more beyond that. I’m sure that there will be fans of this beer and rightfully so, but I’ll just stick with my standard old pint of Guinness stout, thank you very much.

Rating: 3/5

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