Black's Dawn - Cismontane Brewing Company

marqoid

Arizona

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%

02-09-2013 21:01:50 | More by marqoid

Justin_Brown

California

4/5  rDev -3.1%

05-19-2013 09:13:28 | More by Justin_Brown

Keffa

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +9%

05-19-2013 06:29:11 | More by Keffa

tastyville

California

3.75/5  rDev -9.2%

05-09-2013 03:03:03 | More by tastyville

Arsenal0328

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%

05-07-2013 01:51:47 | More by Arsenal0328

Nightrain87

California

4/5  rDev -3.1%

05-02-2013 17:57:35 | More by Nightrain87

tastymug

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -15.3%

04-29-2013 01:33:34 | More by tastymug

Brenden

Ohio

3.96/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Perhaps aptly named, this beer is indeed black, or close to it. Some brown does show in the edges, but only if there's plenty of light. A tan head grows nearly a full finger tall before dropping to a sturdy enough foam that is able to drop mostly spotting but with some patching in places as well.
Coffee pours out on the nose straightaway upon opening the bottle. Cocoa is also evident with a touch of caramel sweetness. Plenty of malt backbone supports the big coffee and chocolate notes. Bitterness seems to come just from the bittersweet cocoa and the coffee.
Not much difference comes out between the aroma and the flavor. Coffee never fades away, staying strong and it has a freshness to it, which is key to any beer depending on it. Bittersweet baker's chocolate comes through strong as well, lingering in the finish. Overall,it leans toward having a stronger level of bitterness without going way too bitter, just managing to be free of any acrid edge.
A big enough stout, there is of course a robustness to this one. It's nicely smooth and on the appropriately low end as far as carbonation. As an imperial stout, though, it needs just a touch, a very slight touch, more thickness and body.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2013 16:28:14 | More by Brenden

drgonzo2k2

California

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%

04-20-2013 14:59:10 | More by drgonzo2k2

JPortillo

Illinois

4/5  rDev -3.1%

04-19-2013 01:04:58 | More by JPortillo

mater

Ohio

4/5  rDev -3.1%

04-18-2013 04:57:25 | More by mater

mdfb79

New York

4.18/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

From 04/14/13 notes. Got this bottle from Nugganooch; thanks Dane! Poured from a 16.9 oz. bottle into a snifter.

a - Pours a jet black color with one inch of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident. There is a little retention and lacing; looks pretty nice.

s - Smells of coffee, roasted malts, dark chocolate, toasted malts, light milk chocolate, and espresso. Nice nose, lots of coffee to it, as expected.

t - Tastes of coffee, roasted malts, dark chocolate, burnt malts, bitter chocolate and malts, vanilla, and some milk chocolate. Even better those the nose; really nice amount of chocolate and coffee.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation. Body is pretty smooth; a little bit thicker and it would be outstanding.

o - Overall a really great beer; never heard of it or this brewery, but I loved it. Loads of coffee and chocolate and easy to drink; if this was easy to get off the shelves I'd certainly buy it a lot. Looking forward to the BA stout from them Dane sent along with it.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 15:52:22 | More by mdfb79

BLACKENEDPLAGUE

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -9.2%

04-14-2013 22:31:22 | More by BLACKENEDPLAGUE

Pinche_Oso

California

4/5  rDev -3.1%

04-09-2013 03:51:11 | More by Pinche_Oso

OBeerMeGreatOne

California

4.5/5  rDev +9%

03-27-2013 03:25:20 | More by OBeerMeGreatOne

acjones

Japan

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%

03-25-2013 03:22:45 | More by acjones

camelgar

Arizona

4.5/5  rDev +9%

03-23-2013 05:23:21 | More by camelgar

DruRho

Maryland

4/5  rDev -3.1%

03-19-2013 00:10:40 | More by DruRho

Grant89

California

4/5  rDev -3.1%

03-14-2013 01:59:03 | More by Grant89

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Received in a thank you box and poured into my Duvel tulip.

A - Pours a nice deep, deep dark brown nearly black hue with a good two finger mocha head that fades to leave a nice quarter inch blanket. Pretty damn solid here.

S - Smell is nice with lots of chocolate, more of the milk chocolate variety. Some light roast malts. Uhh, wheres the coffee though?

T - Taste is better, with nice milk chocolate and cocoa powder mix. Coffee is there, a creamy iced coffee with cream here. Some faint dark fruits as well. Could use some more coffee.

M - Mouthfeel is smooth, with light carbonation. There is some good bitter roast on the finish.

O - Overall, I wish there was more coffee in this along with less dark fruit. Plus, the nose was pretty weak.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 18:30:13 | More by rudzud

jaylib

California

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%

02-23-2013 14:40:49 | More by jaylib

imperialking

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -9.2%

02-13-2013 17:12:18 | More by imperialking

jpaulsen

California

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%

02-10-2013 00:24:32 | More by jpaulsen

vtn

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +9%

02-09-2013 01:14:54 | More by vtn

kaseydad

California

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

Tried to age....couldn't.

Pours a black ale with a big time light brown head. Minor lacing. Foam looks like coffee ice cream. Cool.

The aroma has nice roasted malts, big whiffs of sweet chocolate, leather, cocoa powder, marshmallows, and coffee beans. Awesome!

The taste is roasty and bitter. And underlining sweetness is constant and creates a nice blend. A long bitter aftertaste. Buds stay rough from the ale. Salvation is present. Light peppery finish as well. Hops present.

The mouthfeel is slick but I like it. Light carbonation gives me a kick each sip.

Overall I enjoyed this a lot. I wasn't familiar with the brewery but I am now and in search of their other brews. I wIll say it's a little tough to find in the East Bay but I'll be a looking. Highly recommend.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 02:08:10 | More by kaseydad