Tap at Blind Tiger. Pours a dark, ruby tinged black with a great pillowy head. Roasty, full aroma. Silky mouthfeel and perfectly controlled body, this beer is an absolute pleasure to put down your gullet. Dark, coffee flavors like a good party but the lagering gives this that dry, clean taste. Extremely tasty. I’ll likely be heading back for another today.

On tap at Papago in pint glass. Black with lasting tan head and lace. Mild coffee aroma. Sweet and smooth roasted mocha flavor with well-balance medium finishing bitterness. Medium body and medium-low carbo. Another great beer from Sierra.

Gotta love finding a rare Sierra brew. Pours a dark brown with a creme head. There is a bitter tone to the flavor profile that is smooth and unabrassive. A biting carbonation combines with a typical mouthfeel. This is very easy to drink I feel. Easily a session brew that you might be able to go for all night.

Had on tap at the Restaurant/Taproom in Chico. Pours dark, black as tar, with a thick, creamy, mocha colored head. Some coffee and licorice in the aroma. Flavor has some bittersweet chocolate, licorice and is enhanced by a delectable underlying smokiness. Very thick mouthfeel for a Schwarz. Overall, excellent and probably our favorite from our visit.

Pint at the Old Toad, Rochester - nearly black beer, with a slight ruby tint around the edges, and a creamy, tan head - roasty aroma, with hints of charred wood, burnt sugar, and black coffee - smooth, clean, medium bodied - strong roasty character, some cocoa, and light hints of berry sweetness - a touch of licorice - lightly bitter finish - schwarzbiers are woefully misunderstood - this rating should be higher.