Brewery – West Side
Beer – Schwarzbier
Style – Schwarzbier
ABV – 4.46%
IBUs – 25

Black with a light tan head, this German-style lager drinks lighter than it looks. Aromas of chocolate and malted grain lead, followed by a flavor reminiscent of malted milk balls. A very subdued roast characteristic fades into a smooth, clean finish that’ll have you reaching for another.

This beer get’s me excited. I lean more towards styles like this than I think I ever will a big Triple IPA or Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, and for that I’m not ashamed. When it hit cans for the first time on 12/21/2018 fans of West Side, as well as fans of lager beers in general flocked to it, solidifying it as a perfect piece of West Side’s seasonal lineup.

My Thoughts on West Side Schwarzbier

West Side Schwarzbier pours a dark, dark brown color in my glass – almost black until you hold it up to the light. The head on top is a nice, foamy tan color. It’s a beautiful beer… and to those not familiar with the style it’s a bit deceptive.

Aromas are light chocolate and sweet bread – the brewery’s description of a malted milk ball really nails it.

The taste is crisp and for lack of better term “drinkable” while remaining packed full of flavor. It’s got plenty of roast and bread flavors from the malt while not being too filling. It’s a beer that begs to be followed up by another one – something that I appreciate immensely.

If you want to know more about this, or any of West Side’s beers – you can always head over to their website, or follow them on social media!