Fort Collins The Kidd Lager (Schwarzbier)

As I pour this into my 25cl tulip glass I get a full, roasted aroma. The head forms an initially three finger thick, slightly brown, tan color that recedes at a medium pace. The beer is an opaque black color that shows a stunningly, brilliantly clear, rich ruby hue when held up to the light. Roasted notes take on flavors of deeply browned bread crust, black coffee, burnt grain flavors and a soft, but substantial salty smokiness; this last made me look at the bottle & yep there is some smoke malt in the grain bill. I really like the extra depth that the smoked malt adds to the aroma.

Fairly light bodied with a touch of sweetness to it that is accentuated by the fact that it is a bit cold. Warming the beer helps a bit, including a boost to the body which seemed a bit thin before. The finish has a touch of chalkiness to it in addition to a thin smoke note that isn’t nearly as lush and appetizing as it is in the aroma. A significant roast character provides lost of burnt flavors, a touch of acidity, some astringent burnt grain husk flavors. A touch of fruitiness seems to be here at times, though it is very subtle, but most reminds me of burnt cherries. The roast grain here definitely supplies a bit of bitterness to the finish.

This has a great aroma to it, but unfortunately the flavor doesn’t quite live up to the promise of the nose. Not bad, but the aroma got me expecting something that was quite tasty.

12 oz bottle courtesy of Butters Light roast and chocolate malt aroma with touch of graininess and smoke. Clear very dark with ruby highlights. Smokey, grainy, nice chocolate and roast malt flavors, noble hops, with dry slightly bitter grain finish.Light body and mouthfeel. Absolutely excellent.

Bottle. Small beige fizzy head that mostly diminished along with poor lacing, visible carbonation, transparent, and a ruby hue. Nose was chocolate, smokey, coffee, and cocoa. The flavor was dry, malty, chocolate, smokey, and coffee. Tingly palate

Bottle. Pours nearly black. Aroma of sweet malt and smoke. Flavor is sweet with plenty of black patent though not enough to be overly astringent. Fermentation went well, no yeasty off flavors. I love the smoke and could do with more, but I’m sure it would be off-putting to some. This was a surprise and a delight after trying some of their other selections.

Poured a brown color with a one finger tan head. Lacing was minimal. Aroma was chocolate and caramel, with a little smoke. Mouthfeel was creamy. Flavor was similar to the aroma, with the malts being dominant. Smoke flavor came in at the end.