None More Black - Solemn Oath Brewery

Treebs

Illinois

3.3/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Had on tap at the Solemn Oath beer dinner at Wild Monk in LaGrange. Served in a snifter.

A: Pours a solid black color with some dark brown edges. A dirty, light khaki head forms on the pour and recedes to a small ring. Soapy lace if left down the glass.

S: Green hops with some bittering pine. Mild roast with a light coffee bean note as well. The yeast starts to kick in on the finish with some peppery nuances and fruity esters.

T: Unfortunately the taste didn't live up to the balance of the nose. The piney hops were still present, but the roasted malts really took a back seat to the yeast. The yeast dominated with some peppery notes and actually some mild soapy notes as well.

M: Medium bodied with a medium carbonation level. Sweet, yeasty, soapy finish.

O: It was definitely an interesting take on the style, but unfortunately the yeasty component turned into some off/soapy flavors. This keg was a few months old and the SO guys sat on it to let the yeast develop a little more. I think this beer would have been best served fresh.

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2012 11:20:14 | More by Treebs

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.98/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a Flying Dog glass at Bad Apple.

This thing was described as a black IPA (yeah, I said it) fermented with a saison yeast. Right on. It pours a deep sienna-highlighted black-brown topped by two fingers of light tan foam. The nose comprises mild-ish roasted malts, light dark chocolate, light green apple, greens, and a touch of saison-y funk. The taste holds notes of leek, light roasted malts, coffee, greens, light green apple skin, wheat, and a hint of cucumber. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fluid feel. Overall, I can't say I enjoyed this beer all that much. The hoppy pieces clashed with the roasted ones far too often, creating flavor combinations that just didn't do too well on my tongue.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2012 18:11:10 | More by TMoney2591