Watch City Midnight Munich Dark Lager

This Bavarian style lager is served in a pint glass with a nearly completely black body and a good light tan/beige head that increases after the beer sits for a second and lasts indomitably throughout the experience of drinking it. Which is a good experience, to be sure. Nose of yeast, anise, hazelnut and light roast coffee. Lovely light coffee and anise flavors mix with a strong yeast presence to create a seemingly (to my limited experience) authentic Bavarian schwarzbier. Some dirty hops flavors, light peppery notes and spiciness from the yeast all to contribute to a live feel to the beer. Very fresh and has a smooth consistency. Light bitter, dry, crisp bite on the finish, with dry bitter chocolate and faint hints of caramel and roast. Having just had Sprecher’s version last night, I can say they are comparable beers. While the Sprecher seems to ultimately have more flavor and a creamier, sweeter body, this one seems to ride on the strengths of its low filtration/unpasteurisation and a resulting tastier yeast. Creamy sweetness detracts somewhat in the Sprecher as well.

Dark brown with a light tan head. Sweet malty German lager yeast aroma. Body is thick and caramely and reminds me of a doppelbock. Notes of chocolate and malty complexity make this a winner. Very drinkable and true to style.

Pours a very dark brown, hints of ruby at the edges, smalish white head that barely lasts, but laces very nice. Aroma is toasted malts, caramel, chocolate, and backed with a subtle hoppiness. Flavor follows, with the caramel and chocolate seemingly spready on a toasted malt base, then a fine and slight hoppiness finishes it all off. Medium body, overall an extremely drinkable and tasty lager.