Judge’s Review: 86 Rating – Saturnine Feline by Attic Brewing Co.

Schwarzbier | Limited Release | USA

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 86
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 16

Saturnine Feline by Attic Brewing Co. is a Schwarzbier and is being evaluated as a Schwarzbier (category 8B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Schwarzbiers are black German lagers with light to moderate roasty/chocolatey malt flavors, smooth mouthfeel and restrained bitterness.
Saturnine Feline pours black in color with excellent clarity and a medium, fluffy tan head. The aroma is moderate chocolate with a light burnt note; no hops or esters are present (as is appropriate). The flavor is moderate chocolate malt with lighter caramel notes with a slight burnt malt. The finish is quite dry with a moderate-light bitterness with lingering chocolate and burnt malt.
Saturnine Feline is a very fine beer without any technical flaws, but the drinkability is more like an assertive robust porter than the more delicate and well-rounded Schwarzbier style. I would definitely not pass on this if you are into porters but beware that this might disappoint if you are looking for a smooth dark lager.