Guest Ranger_Man Posted November 23, 2004 Report Share Posted November 23, 2004 This is either the last or second to last of the offerings from New Belgium Brewing left for me to review at this time. This is a black beer, however, it is not like a porter or a stout. Both of those beers are much stronger than what is called black beer. This beer, although very dark, is supposed to be very drinkable with some spicy notes and a very yeasty flavor. Unlike the porters and stouts which scare off all but the pure of heart. Onwards, to victory! Bottle: The typical New Belgium Brewing (NBB) bottle with a big picture on the front that is surrounded by vines. This time though, the picture is of an old alleyway with houses and maybe businesses on both sides of the street. In the middle of the picture is the beer’s name, 1554. Off to the right side of the picture we have the following text: “1554 Brussels style black ale is our info-age revival of a brew enjoyed long ago in the taverns of Brussels, Belgium. From an ancient brewing book, our researchers discovered the oldest reference to these black ales as the year 1554. While certainly black with tasted maltiness, this ale is not a stout or a porter. Rather, this dark’s secret to quaffability lies in its bright acidity from the yeast and alluring spicy undertones.” Pour: The beer does pour out black in color, but when held up to a light you can see a deep ruby hue emerge. Very little carbonation is discernable through the glass. The head is not as thick as I would expect it to be since it is a dark beer. Although, this is my first foray into “dark beer” so I did not quite know what to expect. The head starts out as about one quarter of an inch and settles down to about one eighth of an inch. Taste: The first thing that stands out with this beer is the nice texture that the head delivers to your lips. The head is frothy, yet bubbly at the same time. Further on down the tasting line you get rewarded to the twang of a group of spices that includes what seems to be coriander. The carbonation is light, but it does announce its presence right before the hops bitterness sets in as you swallow the beer down. There is only a slight touch of the typical burnt popcorn residual aftertaste that most dark beers leave. Overall: It is very drinkable as far as a dark beer is concerned. The mix of flavors is done well and it does leave a pleasing feel in your mouth. The almost complete lack of the dark beer aftertaste makes this one prime for people who are scared of dark colored beers. http://s90651370.onlinehome.us/1554.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitrousbird Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Wow, that's a dark beer (as I sip on my cheap High Life I picked up at the gas station). I always enjoy reading your reviews, well knowing I wouldn't enjoy the beer you consume. smile.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritas Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Good review, where would one get that at tho? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ranger_Man Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Originally posted by Veritas: Good review, where would one get that at tho? HEB on the corner of brodie and william cannon. might be quite a drive for you though . and thanks for the compliment, joe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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