Thirsty Pagan Burntwood Black Ale

Brewed by Thirsty Pagan Brewing (ex Twin Ports Brewing Co.)
Style: Schwarzbier
Superior, Wisconsin USA

Small pour (approximately 3 oz.), on tap at Gitchee Gumee Brewfest in Superior, WI on 4-5-08. This was the tenth of 12 beers that I rated (out of about 20 total beers that I tried). I’m not sure what the proper classification of this beer is, but, as a lager, it shouldn’t be considered a schwarzbier. Pours a clear dark brown, but it’s not as dark as the name implies. Small amount of short-lasting beige head. The simple aroma is like that of coffee with cream. Burnt malt taste: Coffee and tar flavors. Tastes most like a dry stout, I suppose. This is not my kind of beer. Light body, undercarbonated. Forgettable palate effects.

(growler from Skyview) Pours out dark brown with a white head. Aroma is filled with roasted malt, coffee, and a light smoky character too. Tastes strong of coffee, roasted malt, light sweetness, and a slight hop bitterness on the finish. Thin, borderline watery mouthfeel.

From Skyview’s growler. It has an aroma of unprocessed grain. Fairly light palate, but smooth, and more grain flavor. Some malt, and a mild roasted character. Just a hint of sourness, which I am not sure should be there.

Growler courtesy of Skyview. Dark brown pour with a thin white head. Roasted malt aroma as well as some chocolate. Seemed kind of thin for the style listed. The flavor is a little sweeter with the roasted malt dominating and a slight hop finish.

Growler thanks to Steve. very dark brown to black, with a hint of brown on the edges when held to the light. Moderate light tan head that settles slowly to w thin tight bubbled lid. Strong aroma of roasted malt and lightly sweetened coffee and cocoa. Should be listed as a porter as a Schwarzbier would be a lager. Dark caramel and light dark fruit in the front. Middle has a touch of herbal hops and some black malt bitterness. Fairly dry in the finish with hints of caramel, light grain sweetness and a touch of black malt bite. A touch sharp in flavor, but a decent black brew by any name.

Sampled on draught at the brewpub in Superior, Wisconsin. Pours an opaque reddish dark brown brew with a fast dissolving off-white head that disipates clean. Aroma of dark roasted black malt, some coffee/dark chocolate character with some flowery hops. Taste is medium to full bodied, very light carbonation with a dry toasted malt and flowery hop flavor. Finish is slightly grainy with a deep chocolate/black coffee aftertaste flavor.

Is a deep black with a nearly non-existant head. Scent is a funky unpleasant tang with a backdrop of a barnyard. Taste, however is relatively pleasant... A bit salty but definitely roasted grain flavour interspered with light maltiness. Light palate but aside from the scent, inviting of another taste.

Ruby-fringed deep black pour, no head. Strong aroma of vomit and pears; a little malt. Rich oaty and sea salty aroma. Rich malt and oat flavor. Palate is a little tangy, salty and lingering. Interesting, sans aroma.