Black's Dawn - Cismontane Brewing Company

Brenden

Ohio

3.96/5  rDev -3.6%
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

mdfb79

New York

4.18/5  rDev +1.7%
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

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -10%
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

kaseydad

California

4.35/5  rDev +5.8%
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

inlimbo77

Delaware

4.11/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16oz bottle
Riedel tulip

A: Pitch black. No light getting through. Full finger of tight bubbled light/mid dark tan head. Leaving lacing already. Some alcohol feet from head. Nicely carbonated.

S: I could smell coffee from a few inches away. Coffee. Milk chocolate, almost lactose like with sweet notes. Not that bitter dark stuff. Some roast but not pronounced.

T: Chocolate and coffee bitterness up front. Again, it's that creamier milk chocolate more than a bitter dark cocoa. Similar to porters I've had recently. The oats really help to cream this beer out. Coffee is muted by the chocolate. Dry finish. Lingering chocolate and slight roast in the palate. Easy to drink for sure.

M: Full bodied and creamy. Like the mouthfeel for sure. Oats help.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 14:18:32 | More by inlimbo77

Uncle_Jimmy

California

4.51/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 2.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance- Opaque Black little to no head. No lacing

Aroma- Big wow ! Prune, Port Plum, Coffee Dark Cherry and molasses

Taste- Smooth coffee plum leather, tobacco and molasses. No bitter over cooked coffee taste and at 50 IBU hops blend seamlessly with coffee a little black licorice in the finish.

Mouthfeel- slick and smooth IMO where both an imperial stout and a coffee imperial stout should be. Light on the carbonation but that is to be expected.

Overall I may say my favorite offering from Cismontane love the nose and taste for sure!

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 21:52:15 | More by Uncle_Jimmy

ElSid

California

4.26/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

The Beers of California

#49

Bottled Date: None

A: Thick motor oil black with very minimal light brown head

S: Big and smooth espresso nose with components of chocolate, marshmallow, and half and half. There is also a nice brown sugar sweetness and oatmeal evenness.

T: The coffee beans come through up front along with notes of chocolate milk, vanilla, raisins which then transitions to a leafy bitterness and a nice bourbonesque alcohol warmth which builds to the finish. The malt skeleton is of toasted bread and brownsugary sweetness along with the oats which impart a smoothness to the palate.

M: Big, round, and smooth adding to the already strong palate. The carbonation is minimal to moderate but enough to keep things interesting.

O: As a coffee lover, the brew does a wonderful job of showcasing espresso flavors in a solidly crafted Imperial Stout. I was taken aback by the strength and roundness of this stout, which overall reminded me of AleSmith's great Speedway. It's up and coming microbrews like Cismontane that remind me how wonderful it is to live in California as a beer geek.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 03:51:26 | More by ElSid

dubinsky

California

3.78/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1 Pint bottle poured into a Deschutes snifter.

A - Pours a semi viscous, pitch black with a thin mocha color head which fades really quickly leaving some minimal lacing.

S – The aroma is a healthy combination of bootstrap molasses, licorice dark chocolate coffee and dried prunes. Damn, that sounds familiar…The Abyss?

T – Well, is not The Abyss, but damn is it ever trying to be. It has all of the elements that I describe in the aroma, but unfortunately they are all a bit more muted than The Abyss. The licorice and dark chocolate seem to be the most prevalent flavors, but all of the others are all definitely there.

M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Nice roasted malts with a fairly smoky finish.

D – This is a very drinkable Imperial stout. I was hugely surprised by this, especially since I have never heard of this brewery. Very well balanced. I will happily buy this again and again.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 05:19:29 | More by dubinsky

ThickNStout

Georgia

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16oz bottle from j47paco (thanks Juan!). No bottling info. Served in a Wild Heaven snifter.

Pours deep dark brown with a finger and a half capuccino head that leaves several patches of dark lace.

Smells roasty with bittersweet coffee, cocoa and caramel.

Roast coffee hits the palate first. Followed by cocoa, burnt brown sugar, charred wood, oatmeal raisin cookie, leather and a little licorice. The alcohol is well masked behind the pleasing blend of flavors.

Creamy smooth medium full feel with light but ample carbonation. Nice bitter sweet coffee and brown sugar aftertaste.

I'd never heard of this brewery or this beer but it's right up my alley. A creamy, roasty, coffee-infused treat. I wouldn't turn this away if I ever get another oportunity to drink again.

Serving type: bottle

11-23-2012 02:15:53 | More by ThickNStout

popery

California

4.2/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours coffee black with dark brown edges. Small light brown head. Dissipates relatively quickly. Very strong coffee note in the aroma. Lots of roasted malt, as well. Lesser amounts of dark chocolate and caramel. Small amount of booze. The coffee seems acidic and a bit fruity. The taste is great. The coffee is again strong, but there's more chocolate and caramel. It's not too terribly sweet, though there's a good amount of caramel malt sugariness in there. There's a nice tart coffee note. Lots of roast. Some citric hops in the finish. Mouthfeel is creamy and a bit fizzy. This is a really nice coffee beer. Normally I feel the opposite, but this beer could use a bit more sweetness. The coffee flavor adds quite a bit of bitterness, and I think it gets in the way of the more delicate notes. Still, it's a really nice coffee beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2012 07:02:25 | More by popery

Nugganooch

California

4.18/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle w/ snifter

A: Blacks Dawn pours a semi thin deep dark brown that gets much dimmer as it collects in the glass. Has a nice black oily gloss to it. Thin lid of creamy smooth camel color head. Nice persistence. Quick receding cling with some dots of lace. Appropriate and inviting.

S: Smells of rich mocha. Pure roast high quality coffee beans. Dark malts with a touch of smoky char. Chocolate Brownie batter. Very nice clean aromas.

T: A very nice assortment of rich and full stouty flavors. Lots of fresh roast coffee with that earthy smoke char. Good mix of toasted grains. Espresso fudge brownie. Dark chocolate and chicory. Sweet Molasses with subtle hints of licorice that really bloom as this beer warms. Decent amount of bittering gives a slight peppery spice. Alcohol is incredibly mellow and really only perks closer to room temps. Delicious brew I must say.

M: Smooth as silk body glides with ease over the tongue. Moderately full feel. Has a light fudgey chew to it that is just right. Carb on the lower side. Lush and perfect. Finish is wetter with an oily linger.

D: This is a very tasty stout. Smooth and creamy. Rich and assertive with the Coffee yet countered well with the chocolate and dark roasty grain notes. I enjoyed this much more than the Couter IPA. Nicely done.

Recommended and looking forward to trying the Black’s Nocturne.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2012 18:37:50 | More by Nugganooch

ngeunit1

California

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a dark brown-black with a thin finger of frothy chocolate colored head. The head fades fairly quickly leaving behind some lacing.

S - Aroma is a mix of dark chocolate malts, coffee, dark fruit, black licorice, molasses, and a bit of booze.

T - Starts off with a mix of dark chocolate malts with some dark fruit, black licorice, and a touch of lactose. Through the middle, roasted coffee comes through with a bit of molasses and some earthy hops. The finish is a mix of dark chocolate, coffee, dark fruits, black licorice, and a bit of booze.

M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth with a sweet, dry, and roasty finish.

D - Very drinkable. Nice overall balance with the coffee and chocolate flavors mixing nicely.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 05:54:17 | More by ngeunit1

mactrail

California

3.6/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Inviting appearance in the narrow-waisted weizen glass. Near black color with fine-grained beige head. Creamy and spritzy on the tongue.

Rather sharp but rich with malt. Toasty flavors as well as the deep dark roast. Doesn't seem as burnt-tasting as some others in this class. there is a warm malty undertone that is quite pleasant. The coffee seems to add that acidic mouthfeel. They could tone it down in my opinion, but they get points for avoiding the "yesterday's burnt coffee" routine. Nose of chocolate and coffee.

Highly sippable if a little harsh. I will keep trying these Cismontane brews, which seem to be more available these days. From the 16 oz bottle which claims 50 IBUs and 8.5% ABV.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 02:57:12 | More by mactrail

match1112

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

nice dark stout with a half inch of creamy mocha head, some spotty lacing. roasted barley and oats and some roasted coffee with a milk chocolate flavor added. nice and thick and creamy with a full robust body. lots of sugar make this sweet than many other stouts i've had. some hops are detectable on the back of the tongue along with a small alochol presence. this is very drinkable but as far as coffee stouts go this is probably middle of the road.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2012 02:08:21 | More by match1112

LBDriver

California

4.53/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tan, cappuccino like head. Previous posts of "mocha" coloured head are spot on. At 50 SRM this beer is about as black as it gets, some shades of dark red wine ( maybe) just under head.
Coffee and dark chocolate mostly dominate the nose. Earth and a bit of hoppy pineyness come near the end. Roasted barley subdued with chocolate and black malts also noticeable.
Coffee is softened by chocolate malt and balanced with a very pleasant hop bitterness. Dark chocolate lingers, virtually no booziness- the rich chocolate, roastiness of the coffee and slight pungent aspect of hops masks beautifully.
A viscous mouthfeel is broken up by hop/coffee bitterness. The illusion of American oak afforded. Great carbonation allows this stout to be more than just a desert pairing.
Overall a very balanced coffee stout in the company of many one-sided coffee stouts. Hop pineyness and coffee astringency paired remarkedly with chocolate malt makes this a surprising after work beer. Hard to find in the bottle but I hope that changes soon!

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2012 00:36:56 | More by LBDriver

azdback

Arizona

4.13/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Bruery tulip glass. Deep dark black with a very dark brown highlight coming from the stem. A large one finger head that is very cocoa in color and creamy/froth in appearance. Lace is sticking very well now and looks like it will as the way down.

Smell is lots of chocolate and coffee bean. Other roasted malt flavors are there too, like charred wood and tart fruit. A bit of alcohol there as well.

Taste is very nice coffee and milk chocolate. There is just a hint of the dark fruit in the taste. Kind of reminds me of Cherry Chocolate Stout from Stone or Chocolate Stout from Brooklyn Brewing.

Mouth is rich and creamy. Carbonation is light but full. Finish is long and not as wet as I figured it would be. There is an alcohol burn there too.

Overall I really enjoyed this extra from glitchedmind. Like I mentioned, it reminded me of a couple of other great stouts. This is coming from a small brewery with not a lot of exposure. Try it if you get the chance.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2012 03:56:52 | More by azdback

WillCarrera

Illinois

4.23/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16 oz bottle, no bottled-on date, poured into a tulip glass.

A- Pours black with a finger of mocha colored head, leaves some spotty lacing.

S- The aroma is a big blast of coffee along with some fruit, chocolate and roasted grain.

T- Sweet, chocolatey, brown sugar roasted flavor, the coffee builds until the finish, which is roasty and seriously chock-full of coffee bean flavor.

M- Medium-bodied, soft, creamy feel with low carbonation.

O- A very nice coffee stout, I'll definitely be on the lookout for Cismontane in the future.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 06:29:00 | More by WillCarrera

portia99

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

16oz bottle sent as a great extra by Rckmo10 in a recent trade. Thanks! Poured into a Dogfish Head signature glass. Bottle says 8.5% ABV contrary to the description on BA.

A - Pours a pitch black color with hardly any light getting thru...what does get thru gives a deep brown highlights at the very edges fo the liquid. A very small off white head forms but falls rapidly down to a tight collar of bubbles...spotty lacing lacing.

S - Coffee is quite noticeable up front along with lots of dark roasted malt. Hints of licorice, brown sugar and some dark and milk chocolate blend nicely. Overall, aroma is a bit on the light side...what is there is rather good.

T - Tons of dark roasted malt up front, burnt toast, strong black coffee, mild astringency, light flavor of baker's chocolate, charcoal. Dark fruits, berries and a marginal sweetness on the back end of each sip that seems to smooth things out...very minor alcohol presence is noted.

M - Body is medium-ish...feels a bit thin for the style. Carbonation is medium-high and makes this beer quite lively and prickly...again, perhaps a bit out of character for the style. Wish this was a bit fuller.

O - Overall a good imperial stout. Mouthfeel is probably the weakest aspect of this beer, being a bit thin and overcarbonated for the style, but these can potentially be overlooked a little bit. Flavors are good and feature lots of dark, roasty, burnt flavors...coffee stout lovers will definitely enjoy this one. Definitely worthy of trying.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2012 23:48:58 | More by portia99

wethorseblanket

California

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours black with an initially solid 1-inch mocha head which fades to a cap and around the rim leaving splotchy lace.

N: Dark chocolate/bitter-sweet cocoa powder, roasted coffee and slight char. Interesting sweetness, floral and earthy/floral notes.

T: Mildly dark chocolate with subtle roasted coffee combine well with some char and burnt notes. Some sweetness is present on the finish. Slightly ashy as warms.

M: Creamy, full bodied with semi-moderate carbonation. Faint sweetness and bitterness on the finish.

O: Very good balance between the coffee and cocoa profile. Just when one starts to take over, the other catches up. One small request - please put a little pepper in this.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2012 01:46:22 | More by wethorseblanket

bierfreundlich

California

4.08/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours a deep brown almost black-strap molasses color with a paper-thin dark tan head. Little spotty lacing.

S - Lots of roasted aroma--a dark roast coffee, roasted barley/grains, a slight caramel sweetness.

T - Tastes like bittersweet chocolate with slight hints of roasted chillies, unrefined sugar/molasses flavors, a bit tangy.

M - Heavier on carbonation than a typical stout and bit creamy with the oats. Tiny bubbles leaving your mouth a bit numb--a bit like an analgesic. Very nice!

O - A very impressive imperial stout. The coffee is stronger in the aroma than flavor. The flavor is very rich and heavy of roasted grains and coffee. But the mouthfeel is wonderful. A great beer! I would totally buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2012 01:22:40 | More by bierfreundlich

ehammond1

California

3.95/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle (2011) Perhaps a hand-bottle. Direct from the brewery representative.

Thanks for opening this, jordanhwc!

Nearly black with a thin brown head that leaves lines of lacing down the glass.

Very roasty aroma with a bit of coffee. Simple, though appropriate and very nice.

The roasted malts and coffee flavors dominate, but they're very nice. No alcohol presence. Slight caramel sweetness as well.

Medium bodied with ample carbonation, though a touch metallic.

A very nice big stout--incredibly roasty.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2011 04:32:54 | More by ehammond1

HopHead84

California

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

5/22/2012

On tap at Stone.

A: Black with a big light brown head.

S: Nutty and earthy with robust coffee notes. Brown sugar blends with molasses, dark chocolate, and restrained licorice notes. Roasted malt is prominent.

T: Rich dark chocolate with a monolithic dark malt presence. Roasted with molasses and brown sugar. Nice coffee profile with a mild astringency. Moderate earthy bitterness and a dash of booze in the finish.

M: Full body with upper medium carbonation and a sticky, silky, full mouthfeel.

Overall: A nice Imperial Stout. Rich, bold, and balanced.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2012 05:18:14 | More by HopHead84

FosterJM

California

4.1/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1048th Review on BA
Growler to Snifter
1 gallon

Thanks to GuruDel for sharing
Shared at MrHirschybars tasting

App- Big thick dark brown almost black pour with a really nice off tan head that left a good bit of sticky cling/lace. Fairly dense and looked good in the glass..

Smell- I will say one thing. They said its a coffee stout. It was a coffee nose. Nicely done on this one with the coffee, some malts and good balance.

Taste- Huge coffee and roast notes from this one. A good bit of balance with a bit of creaminess and the roasted coffee. I really enjoyed the coffee on this one. A bit assertive but worked really well.

Mouth- A medium/thick bodied beer with somewhat of a medium/low carbonation level. Pretty thick malts remain on this one with some bitterness from the coffee and roast

Drink- I enjoyed it. I have been surprised lately with Cismontane. I will have to keep giving them a shot.

Serving type: growler

01-23-2012 18:52:47 | More by FosterJM

Merkur

Tennessee

4.18/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Ritual in San Diego.

Had in a snifter.

Beer poured very dark brown, almost black with about a half finger worth of white head.

The beer smells of strongly of espresso and coffee. Very roasty.

The taste follows the smell with a nice, roasty flavor of coffee and a bit of chocolate.

The mouthfeel was just a bit too thin for my liking with very little carbonation.

Aside from being a bit thin, this was a very enjoyable stout.

Serving type: on-tap

01-21-2012 15:45:38 | More by Merkur

UCLABrewN84

California

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Tony's Darts Away in Burbank, CA.

Pours an opaque black with a 1 inch foamy dark khaki head that fades to an oily film on the top of the beer. Small dots of lace form on the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, coffee beans, and some bittersweet chocolate aromas. Taste is of dark roasted malt, coffee grounds, and dark chocolate syrup. A nice mild roasty bitterness lingers on the palate after each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp and smooth mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good coffee stout with a great balance of coffee and dark chocolate flavors.

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2011 20:32:32 | More by UCLABrewN84