[1] Review by TheBeerLover from Washington, DC, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (2/14/2006 2:59:08 PM)
"When is a stout not a stout? When it is a schwarzbier of course. The inspiration for Sapporo Black Stout Draft didn't come from Ireland, it came from Germany. "Black Beer" is popular in Japan, most if not all major Japanese breweries do this style. What is schwarzbier? Its a dark lager that has its roots in the eastern part of Germany, similar to Munich dunkles, but a little darker in color, with some roastiness as well. German brewers were brought over to Japan in the 1800's to show the Japanese how to brew beer, and they brought their recipes with them. I lived in Japan for a year, and was drinking "black beer" 14 years ago, before I really understood what I was drinking. Being a stout drinker, Sapporo Black was a natural choice for me. But this beer has more in common with a Kostrizer, or even Sprecher Black Bavarian, than it ever will have with Guinness. This is a very good example of schwarzbier, and is a very smooth, drinkable, dark lager.
Sapporo Black pours to a deep brown/black color with a nice white head, and a good bit of carbonation. The nose is quite malty. Good dark malt aromas, with a touch of roast, and balancing hop aromatics. The palate is firm, dark chocolate, coffee, and roasty flavors. This beer is a lager, so it is very smooth, round, and clean. This beer finishes malty up front, then leads into a quick, dry, bitter finish.
This is an excellent "black" beer as the Japanese like to call it. It is a great tribute to a style that is under done, even in Germany. It has a cult following in Japan, and I was a member of that cult, and still am. Look for this beer in your area, its well worth seeking out. I would match this beer with smoked and grilled meats, or Mongolian BBQ."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.6)
Sampled: Can Sample Size: 16oz @ $3 Unit Cost: $3 per Pint
[2] Review by OrvalPlease from Orland Park, IL, USA who has tried this beer once. (12/28/2005 11:55:29 AM)
"Interesting purplish color to this beer; very little head. Aroma of dark fruits and roasted malts. Flavor was very malty and slightly sweet - almost like a "light" stout. Mild aftertaste; seemed you should get something that lingered a bit given the roasted malts this beer was brewed with."
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
6/10
Flavor:
6/10
Overall:
6/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.1)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.59 Unit Cost: $2.12 per Pint
[3] Review by Bov from Bienne, Switzerland who has tried this beer once. (11/7/2005 5:24:32 AM)
"black colour with a little and fast disappearing foam, slightly roasty malty nose with notes of chocolate, medium-bodied, some sweetness and notes of caramel in the aftertaste"
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
6/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.5)
Sampled: Can
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
[4] Review by heemer77 from Savannah, MO, USA who has tried this beer many times. (5/18/2005 8:43:08 PM)
"A decent Schwarzbier. However, there was little to make this standout. Slight chocolate and coffee tastes. There are notes of toast and some light caramel. Cool steel can!"
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
6/10
Flavor:
6/10
Overall:
6/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.1)
Sampled: Can
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
[5] Review by BALFBEER from Brazil who has tried this beer once. (12/2/2002 8:21:43 PM)
"I don't know others beers from Japan, but this one is really good. A good strong flavor and aroma. "
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.6)
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure Compared to this brewer's other beers: Not Sure
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(3.6)
