New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale

Thanks to beerandblues for this one. Surprisingly enjoyable. Big wafting aromas I can smell from a foot away of smoky maltiness. Flavor is slightly fruity with some chocolate. Creamy texture. I’m also getting some roasted malt in the flavor as well. Very reminiscent of a light quad type beer which would make sense considering the old begian heritage of the recipe supposedly.

Dark brown in color with a beige head. Malty flavor with hints of caramel and molasses.

Draught: Poured a deep black that of which could be related to the melting rubber on a highway, the smoke of the head was beige. The ice droplets of beer forming on the cold glass definetly help its appearance. The aroma was dark and somewhat roasted malt with sweet sugary overtone. The taste was complex as first it starts bitter waking the senses of your tongue, from there it finished a caramel or molasses dry flavor. This beer was a nice way to chase away the frustration of having my flight home delayed!

Really enjoyed this one. Pours a nutty dark brown with a very small tan head. Malty and roasted aroma with a roasted chocolate malt flavor. Chocolate/coffee aftertaste. Smooth but dark... reminds me a bit of a Schwarzbier. 12 oz. bottle.

Bottle from BlackForestCO. Medium brown color with small head. Aroma of chocolate, biscut, malt, coco, and nuts. The taste was the same with good mild sweetness throughout. Smooth on the palate. Side note, this brew has the same nutty taste that fat tire and the trippel do. Hmmm?? Still, one damn fine brew. I wish I could get a case.

I had this on-tap at the Gingerman in Austin. I swore it was a Schwartzbier, as it is true to that style, which is to say really, really boring. I didn’t get much of anything out of this beer...it is just sort of generic. This beer pours black but is sort of on the runny side (not viscous like many stouts are). Aroma is very faint...virtually odorless. Flavor was a slight bit of roastiness, but also was exceedingly faint to me. I was not impressed with this beer. Not recommended.

deep brown with a quickly dissipating head. roasted earthy aroma with dry chocolate notes. thin slick mouth feel. has a roasted acidity taste with chocolate and a light plummy toffee flavor. good, drinks like a black lager

Light roast and ‘clean’ smell. Dark brown to amber color with a thin head. Taste lots of chocolate with a good roast balance. Mouthfeel is too thin...needs to match the heartier nature of the beer.