Baba Black Lager

Now in its 20th year of providing painstakingly crafted beers with all brewery power being wind or solar-derived, Uinta is dedicated to sustainability in terms of both the environment and distinctive brews. Baba Black Lager is the Salt Lake City brewers’ schwarzbier entry, one bursting with aromas of black licorice, cocoa powder, and French roast coffee. Wafting among the prominent dark malt notes, Tom picked hints of “Fuji apple and Crenshaw melons,” and noted a virtual absence of hops. He likened the overall effect to a “slightly fruity cup of chocolate milk,” and deemed it “not entirely lager-like.” Deep, dark brown, almost verging on black, with occasional glints of ruby peeking through, this brew touches on opaque. The tan-colored head was somewhat anemic and collapsed almost immediately. Bold flavors of cold-pressed espresso and raw cacao nibs dominate, while a restrained caramelly sweetness provides a needed counterpoint. Pete uncovered fleeting hints of dates and dried figs riding beneath the “bracing coffee and semisweet chocolate” that segued into a slightly acidic finish. The high carbonation caught Tim off guard, but he dug in and pulled out a blend of sweet milk chocolate, Ibarra Mexican chocolate and roasty malt. He also found a pleasant spiciness, comparing it to a “classic, spicy dark Czech lager.” More assertive than most “dark” lagers, Baba Black Lager brings big flavors packed in a session strength beer.