Why we picked it: We like Schlafly's brewery...we always have a Schlafly in 24 DoB...it's their seasonal.
About Schlafly's Black Lager Schwarzbier: Our Schwarzbier is a traditional German-style black lager with a refreshingly light body. The dark chocolate malts contribute color and hints of roasted coffee balanced by the delicate aroma of German Noble hops. Translated from German, Schwarzbier means black beer.
Schwarzbier originated in the 16th Century in southeastern Germany where it is still brewed today. The style enjoyed a heyday in St. Louis in the late 1800s, but large scale production of dark lagers failed to resurface after Prohibition. In 2007, the beer community of St. Louis honored St. Louis Dark Lager as the official beer of the inaugural St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival, an annual tasting event that celebrates the many breweries thriving in St. Louis today.
Beer Advocate Score: 83
Appearance: Black
Process: Traditional Lager
Hops: Mittelfruh, Tettnang (DE), Marynka (PL)
Grains: Pale, Europils, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel
Yeast: German Lager
SRM: 45
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 25
Case Cost: $33 ($9 per 6-pack)
*website: http://schlafly.com/beers/styles/black-lager/
Yes, we like Schlafly. I'm a big fan. The problem is I've never heard anyone pronounce Schlafly so I'm forced to order by pointing. How is it pronounced anyway? I came home to a flyer coupon for a pizza place tonight so its pizza and beer for me. I wish I had a few more of these, this is the first beer I'm making a mental note to pick up a six pack of this in 24 DoB 2k15.
ReplyDeleteSchlaugh-lee. Same as the anti-feminist pro-lifer Phyllis Schlafly. Yes, they are related although I think the beer guys try to steer far clear of crazy Aunt Phyllis. As do we all.
DeleteMmmmm...Pizza... This reminds me to put in an unsolicited endorsement for Pi Pizza on F Street. Tasty "St. Louis style pizza" (whatever that means) and an outstanding draft beer list including about 7 or 8 Schlaflys.
DeleteBricks pizza in Arlington was not so great. There is Fireworks pizza in Courthouse also with a great beer list.. one of my favorite spots.
DeleteWhen's the 24 days of pizza? IN !
DeleteNot bad, but not really interesting enough for me to drink it by itself. But I do like Ben's idea about pairing this with a good pizza.
ReplyDeleteNot bad. Does anyone else taste black licorice?
ReplyDeleteRosemary took one sip and asked me if I tasted black licorice. Actually wish I tasted more black licorice since me loves me some black licorice.
DeleteNaw none at all. I just got a sip full of pure boredom. Maybe I drank this too cold or something
DeleteYup, about half way through the black licorice came in...I think it has to warm up a bit
DeleteNow that I've pulled a Bolter and responded to everyone else, probably time to actually post my own opinions of the beer. I do like Schlafly. Never had a bad beer from them despite crazy Aunt Phyllis (see above). They actually make the first and only pumpkin beer that I can actually say I like (thank you 24 Days of Beer 2014).
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the black lager is an uphill battle for any beer. I checked the historical records (untappd) and I have had 8 black lagers/schwarzbiers. Only one achieved a rating above 3 stars (Uinta Baba Organic) and that was logged after an 18 miler on my way to Brookland Pint on a truly legendary day so I fear that rating is biased.
This beer is fine but I just don't like that lager aftertaste. At all. I'm sure others will like it much more than I do, but just not my thing. However, if I ever find myself in a bar consisting of only schwarzbiers, I would definitely put this in my top two. For whatever that's worth.
You're telling me that despite FLY in the name , I should pronounce it LEE. Ok Beal.
DeleteEh... unremarkable. Especially coming from Schlafly. Probably the most boring beer so far and dare I say biggest disappointment yet. If this came from another brewery my score would probably be higher but I know Schlafly can do way better. C!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what to expect with this beer, but I like Schlafly and never have had a bad beer from there. I love there TIPA that was in the 24 DOB a few years back. I thought this would be a good "cheap" beer to add to the mix. It's Schlafly's seasonal. Not the taste I was expecting after I poured it. I get some of the malt up front. Very light. I believe this could be a good session beer. Grade 7 of 10, C+
ReplyDeleteYeah - that TIPA was one of the outstanding beers of the 2013 24 DoB for me. I had never had anything like it before and have purchased it since then.
DeleteDefinitely needed this after spending the whole evening at the indoor track watching heat after heat of sprinting events. 50 heats of the 300m is excessive.
ReplyDeleteSchlafly's pumpkin ale is still their star. This one is okay but nothing special. My experience with Schlafly has been very hit miss though so this one showed me there is something in between.
I like most of the black lagers that I've tried and this is no exception. Now that I think about it, I like most of the Schlafly's that I've tried, too. The can art is really cool. I'm getting a pronounced roastiness with a hint of smokiness. Like last night's selection, this one disappeared before I realized it and left me wanting more. It's also exactly what I need to make me look forward to getting into the hop chapter of our 24 DoB journey. Bring it!
ReplyDeleteAnother good beer by Schlafly's and another good beer on the 24 Beers of Christmas. It had a light chocolaty taste that went down smooth and quick. A.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was a good beer for your birthday!
DeleteSchlaflys is a favorite brewery of mine, especially since I just learned they are in a legal dispute with Crazy Aunt Phyllis.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a favorite of mine, but still very good and solid, subtle flavored. I didn't get much chocolate (a good thing) nor smokiness (bad thing), but still enjoyed it.
On a side note, Bill may set a record for highest percentage of posts for a single beer tasting on 24DoB.
This was a bit of a boring beer as some have stated, but it was very drinkable. Did nothing to wow me, but did nothing wrong either. Definitely a session beer. B+.
ReplyDeleteRyan, you known you have to let it sit and cool down first! I thought that one was solid light and not heavy at all. Good, but not great. I would have it again if I'm not any the mood for something to hear you with complex flavors. I give it a B.
ReplyDeleteRyan, you known you have to let it sit and cool down first! I thought that one was solid light and not heavy at all. Good, but not great. I would have it again if I'm not any the mood for something to hear you with complex flavors. I give it a B.
ReplyDeleteRan straight to Morton's for a meet and greet with the redskins and a free dinner. Ordered myself a couple Martini's and wine with dinner. Sadly had to miss this day of beer but will happily consume 2 tonight.
ReplyDeleteIf I was thinking I would have had this ready for the drive to Morton's. Personal Fail!
DeleteDid desean drive around the block to try and get a better parking spot, and crash into a gaggle of children?
DeleteLight bodied, quaffable session lager at 5%. Light mocha and earthy tones with a little sweetness.
ReplyDeleteSacrificing body, complexity and overall depth of flavour for a more refreshing chuggable appeal. This style isn't interested in impressing anyone with complexity, it's only purpose is to be an easy, smooth refresher. It certainly does that. Good as a starter after a long day or makes a great porch/deck chugger.
A good fluffer or shadow for stronger ales, but not really a "main event" beer if you're looking for density (its a session ale so I don't understand why anyone would expect this to be robustly flavoured, full bodied or boozy...).
Conversation, refreshment and relaxation. Mind, soul and body of the session style.
Schlafly is a great brewery and I truly do enjoy almost everything they make. They do have a couple outliers that fall into well crafted beers but generally unremarkable. I'll now count this amongst those.
ReplyDeleteSure...it's a good beer...tasty, sessionable, and all that. Bearing in mind that it is a lager, there is just no wow factor. I guess that I what I look for in a beer these days. I'm not looking for a light crisp lager that I could crush a twelve pack of. I want to drink a beer or two (sometimes three or four) that is memorable and exciting...usually an ale.
I would prefer to have Devils backbone Schwartz to this schlafly brew. Wonder if schlafly has become too mainstream. Their Tasmanian is underwhelming this year as well.
I would pass on this and find something more interesting the next time I am on the hunt for a pint or a sixer.
I had the doobie brothers 'Black Water' stuck in my head all while drinking this. I had heard good things about Schafly and this was the first one I have tried. Good stuff
ReplyDelete