Sunday, November 20, 2011

Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager.


This has been sitting in my fridge all summer, and I was tired of looking at it. Another entry from Rogue's GYO offshoot, black lager isn't a very common, but not rare, style. 9 ingredients: Melanoiden, Carafe, Special II, NBlack, Chocolate and Risk malts, Independent and Revolution hops, and of couse, free-range coastal water and German yeast. I guess this is a different strain than their regular Pacman.

It pours very smoothly, a quick black oil giving rise to a moderate mocha head. I get some salty, oyster-like aromas which is disorienting. The first sip was smooth and light, a big, round mouthful of toasty malts with chocolate tones. My first impression is like a far less carbed Guinness Draught with more bittering. To be honest, I'm not really feeling this one.

  • Appearance: Opaque black, mocha head.
  • Smell: Reminiscent of an oyster stout, salty, sea breeze and oysters.
  • Taste: A balanced roasted bitterness with a lasting, mild finish.
  • Mouthfeel: Very little carb, silky smooth and just barely cohesive. Slightly astringent on the finish.
  • Drinkability and Overall: An easy drinker, for sure. A slightly more sophisticated Guinness Draught. Do with that what you will.

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