Beer 292/365 – Sprecher Black Bavarian

Style: Schwarzbier

ABV: 6.0%

Purchased at: Vintage Estate Wine & Beer – Boardman OH

What makes this beer different: It might be the best Schwarzbier I have ever had.

Will I be drinking this again: Yes, and I’ll be this would make an awesome marinade for some steaks.

Grade: A

8/27/2010: One of my readers recommended I try some Sprecher beer, but I cannot remember who? Well whoever it was thanks. I didn’t know which specific beer to grab, so I just purchased the one that looked the most interesting.

The nose is burnt caramel sugar, similar to what a cotton candy machine might smell like (not the candy itself, but the sweet burnt smell). Also smells like some chocolate in the mix? The flavor took be by surprise as I was not expecting much. A lot of stout characteristics, smashed into a lager style beer. Really nice chocolate, some roasted caramel malts, a light smokey wood type flavor, and finishes with a dry earthy type kick. Very complex and a lot of nice flavors going on here. Even with all these heavy flavors, Sprecher Black Bavarian comes off “crisp” in an odd way. The over-average carbonation helps make it very drinkable for a heavy-ish beer. No question this is one of the best lagers I have ever had.

Picture of the day: Someone is overtly creepy.

Beer 230/365 – Central Waters Mudpuppy Porter

Style: American Porter

ABV: 5.5%

Purchased at: Sent as an extra in a trade

What makes this beer different: One of the lightest bodied porters I have ever had

Will I be drinking this again: If only it was available in the area.

Grade: A-

6/26/2010: So apparently New Glarus, Tyranena, and Lakefront arent the only places that brew good beer in the great cheese state of Wisconsin. Add Central Waters to that list. Most of their beers on BeerAdvocate rate at a B or better, which is doesn’t happen very often.

Mudpuppy Porter has a pretty strong chocolate smell, and something a little nutty also? The flavor is very good for how light the body is. Chocolate, caramel malt, and hazelnut! Very unique to see that hazelnut flavor in a porter. The body is very very light, but still gets a bunch of flavor to the taste buds. Very drinkable.

Picture of the day: The futuristic world of 2010.