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Michael Bury's picture

Shiner Black

August, 2015
Judges Rating: 
88
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
5 / 6
Flavor: 
34 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

Shiner Black opens with an intense dark chocolate nose and hints of coffee and toast. Also in the aroma, malt dominates the the faint floral hops. No esters are present -- as expected with a cleanly fermented lager. It pours obsidian in color, but the moderately sized light brown head is fleeting. Moderately intense breadcrusts, dark chocolate, and caramel with hints of black licorice dominate over a low-to-medium hop bitterness. After the semi-dry finish, you’ll be rewarded with a lingering chocolaty, toasty flavor. Despite the high level of roasted malt, this beer isn’t astringent and is even slightly creamy. Although Shiner Black showcases more roasted malt than what is typically found in a Schwarzbier, it is nonetheless a well-made and deliciously roasty malt-forward lager.