Dark Horse Reserve Special Black Bier

Brewed by Dark Horse Brewing Company
Style: Porter
Marshall, Michigan USA

Bottle thanks to mreusch. Poured a deep brown color with a slight tan head that faded to a ring. Aroma of light chocolate and caramel with a nice roasted coffee and very slight undertones of light berries. Taste was basically the same, with chocolate and caramel melding with lightly roasted coffee and a hint of smoke on the finish. Smooth, with a light bite from the smokiness. Thanks Matt, definitely a nice beer.

Sampled via trade with SQNfan...Solid!!! Dark as a Halloween Night, this beer has a foam glaze or sheen, but no head to speak of. Flavor is of dark chocolate, brown sugar, caramel, toffee; everything sweet and good in the world. Subtle roasted nuts are present in the finish, along with a slight sour aftertaste. A very good beer, although others from Dark Horse was a bit higher on my scale.

The extremely dark chocolate brown and foamy, coffee colored head scream imperial stout all the way. A rich, dark chocolate and caramel mocha nose backs this up, as creamy and full as many big stouts. Molasses is present as well, adding sweetness to all the roasty goodness. Flavors are full and rich, with caramel, chocolate, charred oak, and creamy mocha. The roastiness really sticks to the roof of the mouth, leaving behind lingering charred flavors. Medium-full bodied and silky, this one feels really good in the mouth. This is a damn good porter that could hold its own in a blind tasting with some well known stouts. Dark Horse just gets it when it comes to dark beers.

12oz bottle. Pours a deep black with a thick toasted brown head. Aroma is sweet and light, with hints of roasted malt, caramel, chocolate, and molasses. Taste is medium-bodied and dry, with an initial taste of chocolate, coffee, tobacco, and smoke giving way to a crisp finish of roasted malt. A little lighter and drier than most porters, but in a very good way.

A thin, crema-like head with a dark and fragrant aroma reminiscent of dark chocolate and red wine. Actual flavor is an incredible, grassy, nutty, earthy blend that has a definite "burnt" flavor not unlike that of creme brulee. The finish is long and becomes less intense, giving way to a somewhat musty note. Obviously meant for sipping, try this beer alongside of a sharp Wisconsin cheddar.

Bottle pours black with a light head followed by little aroma. Head retention is very fast. Has a light mouthfeel that follows with a velvety silky smooth character. Tastes are complex of chocolate and coffee and is very tasty.

Pours black and oily without any discernible head. Very nice roasted grain, chocolate malt aroma. Medium body. Taste is thick and roasty with a nice hop bitterness. Make sure to let it arm a little, it really lets out some nice flavors. The bitter dry roastiness comes through nicely in the finish. Very nice.

Not a big aroma, but the flavor is HUGE. It is a perfect blend of coffee, chocolate and even a slight hint of smoke on the after taste. Clings to the palate and goes down smooth. Nearly Perfect.