Samuel Adams Coffee Black Lager is a German-style Schwarzbier brewed by the Boston Beer Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the lager was served in a pilsener glass from a bottle.

Appearance

The Schwarzbier pours a clear black that turns ruby in color when held to the light. The lager is topped by a thick cap of dense tan-colored foam that shows good retention. An aggressive pour yield the best results.

Aroma

The aroma is strong with a scent that mixes floral hops, coffee, and dark chocolate.

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Flavor

Bready malt flavor leads the palate and finishes with a gentle bite of floral hops and coffee flavor. The bitterness lingers briefly, blended with sweet notes of dark chocolate and toffee.

Mouthfeel

Its feel is smooth with a medium-light body and moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly.

Overall

Its appearance is solid and the aroma is strong and pleasant. The palate’s use of coffee is subtle and complementary. Any roast character is mild at best which is appropriate for the style. The Samuel Adams Coffee Black Lager is enjoyable, easy-drinking, and an excellent representation of the style.

Recommended Pairings

Samuel Adams recommends the following food pairings with their Coffee Black Lager: fried oysters, French onion soup, gruyere, barbecue brisket, coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin, and bratwurst; sweets of tiramisu, chocolate chip cookies, and coffee ice cream sundae.