Tasting Notes: Herold Bohemian Black Lager
Brewery: Herold
Location: Breznice, Czech Republic
ABV: 5.3%
Version: Bottled
Source: Tesco
I'm not much of a lager drinker, but I'm by no means immune to the charms of a good dark or black lager, so Herold's Bohemian Black seemed like a good bet when I spotted it on the shelves in the Tesco World Beers section. I drank it on Saturday night whilst watching Pirates of the Caribbean III, it being the closest thing in the cupboard to a tipple of dark rum (without actually drinking the bottle of dark rum that's been lurking in the corner for about seven or eight years now...)
According to the website, Herold Bohemian Black is "a classic lager of Schwarzbier style, brewed from 4 malts and lagered for up to 10 weeks". It certainly lives up to its colour-promise, pouring a lovely ebony, although the "dense, creamy head" promised on the neck label must only be available on draught, as here it was more of a muddy brown soap-scum effect, that soon dissipated.
The taste was much more impressive: a rich, chocolatey, liquorice-and-herbs flavour, buoyed along by a pleasantly dense mouthfeel. A hint of molasses sweetness as well, but with a tangy bite that stopped it becoming too syrupy. I had chilled the bottle for 40 minutes or so prior to opening, and once the beer warmed it released more of its smokiness as well, so maybe cellar (or cupboard) temperature would have been better.
Not necessarily one I'd seek out again, but if I saw it on offer then I might be tempted to grab a few bottles to feed to any visiting lager-drinkers too timid to move on to a pale ale. Anything's worth a try, right?
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Very partial to black lagers myself and this is one of the best I've had, although admittedly it's a very short list. Pick up a few bottles now and again and stash them in the fridge, ready for when I want something reliable that I don't need to take notes on.
Interesting to see you talking black lagers then Tim as well. I had my first one in the summer when I spotted Budvar on draft, regular and black and thought, hmmm, try that. Very nice on a warm day, confuses the senses though, my eyes said 'Guinness' the taste buds said lager with something else. Nice but wouldn't have more than a couple of pintss
I'd much rather have a black lager than a blonde. I just love the roasty maltiness of the darker beers...