Cinder Block Brewing’s Czech Dark Lager is a solid take on a traditional European style, with a few twists that make it stand out. It’s got that rich, roasty goodness you’d expect from a dark lager, but it’s balanced with a surprising lightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy. Let’s dive into the details:
Appearance: 8/10
When you pour this beer, you’re greeted with a beautiful dark mahogany color, almost bordering on deep brown, with a creamy tan head that sticks around for a bit. It’s visually appealing and gives you a solid first impression. The clarity is good for a darker beer, and those reddish-brown hues shine through when held up to the light.
Aroma: 7.5/10
The nose is inviting, with a blend of roasted malts, dark bread crust, and a hint of caramel sweetness. There’s also a slight earthy or herbal hop character in the background, which I like. It’s not overly complex on the aroma front, but what’s there is nice and fits the style well. Some drinkers might want a bit more boldness here, though…it’s more subtle than in-your-face.
Taste: 9/10
The flavor is where this beer really shines. You get a rich malt backbone with layers of roasted coffee, cocoa, and a touch of toffee, all balanced with a slight sweetness. There’s an underlying bitterness that comes in at just the right moment, adding depth without being overpowering. The lager yeast does its job well, making everything feel crisp and clean despite the darker malts.
What I love about this beer is that it’s got that signature Czech lager drinkability…light bodied but with enough flavor to keep things interesting. It’s sessionable, but still gives you plenty to enjoy in terms of complexity. There’s a slight smokiness that lingers in the aftertaste, which might not be for everyone, but I personally think it adds character.
Mouthfeel: 8/10
This lager has a smooth, medium-light body that fits perfectly with the flavor profile. It doesn’t feel too thick, and the carbonation is just right—enough to lift the flavors but not so much that it overwhelms the palate. It’s refreshing and easy to drink, which is a big win for this style.
Overall Impressions:
Cinder Block Brewing’s Czech Dark Lager is a well-crafted and approachable beer that pays homage to the traditional style while making it accessible for a wide range of drinkers. It’s got plenty of roasted malt character without being too heavy, making it a great choice for cooler weather or when you want something dark but not overwhelming.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say it could use a touch more aroma complexity and maybe dial down the smokiness just a hair—but that’s really just personal preference. Overall, this is a super enjoyable beer that I’d happily come back to.
Rating: 8.5/10
If you’re into darker beers but don’t want to feel like you’ve just eaten a loaf of bread, this one’s definitely worth checking out. Plus, it pairs really well with a variety of foods, from burgers to BBQ.
If you’ve tried a Czech Dark Lager, please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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