Wurzburger Hofbrau Schwarzbier (Germany: Schwarzbier: 4.9% ABV)

Visual: Clear dark black until held to light to reveal rich red with a quickly diminishing brown head. A thin froth resolutely remains till the end.

Nose: liquorice, roasted popping nuts, hops

Body: Smooth; light nutmeg. Malt and light froth. Wholemeal sandwiches. Slightly sticky mouthfeel. Treacle.

Finish: Chocolate cake with fresh cream (blackforest?). Nuttiness.

Conclusion: A restrained example of this style with a wonderful finish. The slight stickiness makes it hard to recommend for a warm day drink which would otherwise be its natural territory. Definitely drinkable as the first cool wave of the night comes in though.

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