The Brew Kettle Dark Helmut Imperial Schwarzbier

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 8

This was a barrel aged beer according to my notes. A very black pour, almost reminiscent of coca-cola, except with a much larger head. Aroma of smoked wood, nuts, and coffee predominate while the flavour is primarily roasted malt, molasses and smoke. A very good change of pace.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

Bomber from Centerville Carryout from recent Ohio trip: Dark brown black pour with a short head and bits of lacing. Slightly briny aroma, heavy roasted malts, molasses for certain, alcohol and very earthy hops. Mouthfeel is actually heavy, almost thick as it coats my tongue. Thank goodness the flavor is good: roasted malts, again molasses, heaviness on the alcohol, enough hops to cut some of the almost Impy-Stout-like mouthfeel. Big for certain. This one will make you Jack Step and march militarily whilst listening to Wagner... Jah!

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Skeptical of an imperial Schwarzbier, I was quickly appeased after my first taste. This rich treat offered plenty of complexity. Medium to dark brown color with a collapsing tan head and minor strands of lacing. Pleasing scents of mild chocolate and heavy cream that lead to an earthy, mildly fruity aroma. Velvety smooth while maintaining a filling, soft body. Robust malts with a sugary kick. Raisin bran and muffins that are offset by a noble hop aspect. Chocolate and caramel flavors are present as well. This beer has plenty of flavors to even satisfy Pizza the Hut!

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

A dark brown appearance with a tan head. A chocolate, molasses, and alcohol aroma. A syrupy texture to the beer. The burbon shows through in this one with chocolate flavors present. May the Schwarz be with you!

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

This beer is an impressive little feat of brewing technique. Imagine a light-bodied, easy drinking schwarzbier with a pleasant, but not overstated roastiness and chocolate. Pretty typical of a schwarzbier right? Now imagine those same qualities in a beer that hits 8 percent ABV. If I hadn’t known this beer was 8 percent I never would have guessed. This one poses the danger of tasting like a quality session beer but punching like a heavyweight. Impressive, but I like my heavyweights to hit a little harder in the flavor. They’re going to be releasing an bourbon barrel aged version of this in the fall. Hopefully the bourbon won’t overwhelm what is a good, but mellow beer.