Capital Dark - Capital Brewery

zebulon

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at the brewery.

Was a dark brown somewhat trasnlucent, small head slight lacing.

Malty aroma, a preview of what is to come.

Malty, slight sweet dried fruit with a bite, enough of a bite to make in interesting. Medium carbonation that went well with the taste. Taste became fuller as it warmed which I suppose makes sense.

Pleasent on the tongue, and very easy going down. I was thinking I could drink alot of these.

Serving type: on-tap

03-22-2010 10:17:30 | More by zebulon

DrunkMcDermott

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had this bottled beforehand, and it didn't really impress me. But fresh from the tap, it's a different story. I can now taste a decent dark roast taste, and that's in the middle of an evening with several Oktoberfests on tap. I think I almost an allergic reaction from the hop nose, though actual hop bitterness is not pronouced. One to seek out fresh.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2003 17:57:59 | More by DrunkMcDermott

rhoadsrage

Illinois

3.13/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

(Served in a bowtie glass)
A- This beer pours a dense but clear glowing brown body with a thin beige ring of foam.

S- The faint deep toasted malt hint is a bit lagered and the aroma is very clean.

T- The clean lagered nougat flavor takes on some dry toffee as the beer opens up and a clean dry finish ends this beer.

M- This beer has a light mouthfeel with a scrubbing fizz finish.

O- This beer is clean and well lagered with hints of flavor from some dark malt that takes on a bit of a woody oxidized flavor as it opens.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2013 15:27:10 | More by rhoadsrage

falloutsnow

Illinois

3.03/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

From: Friar Tuck's, Savoy, IL
Date: "00114A10356" stamped on bottle's bottom
Glass: Ayinger willi glass

Capital's Dark is altogether fairly forgettable, blending a modest brown and dark malt sweetness with subdued European hops for a dark, though bland, lager with few distinguishing marks such as toasted nuts or chocolate. One that I will probably not seek out again.

Pours a 2cm head of light tan, fairly dense and small bubbles, which have a fairly froth-like appearance. Retention is about average, lasting a minute or two as it collapses to a modest cap of foam atop the beer. Lacing is excellent, with substantial blotches and clumps along the sides of the glass. Body is dark brown in color when out of the light, amber-brown with strong red hues when in. Carbonation through the transparent body, noticeable but modest.

Aroma is of crackers made from slightly toasted and roasted grains. Not much in the way of toasted nuts, cocoa, overall rather bland and unassuming. Least impressive aroma from a Munich Dunkel Lager I've had yet.

Major flavors in the beer are dark and brown malt sweetness, with mildly bitter hops in the background. Tasting opens with brown malt sweetness combined with a bit of mineral character. Mid-palate takes the sweetness and adds a modest hop bitterness to the background, while the back of the palate picks up European hop bitterness with a small contribution from dark malt sweetness. Aftertaste is satisfying: of modest cocoa and bitter European hops, creating an effect of bitter, European-style chocolates.

Beer is medium-light to light in body, with a bit of wateriness noticeable around the edges. Carbonation is medium to medium-high, creating a fairly prickly mouthfeel at first, before the beer fizzes up on the palate to become more flowing and creamy. Finish is semi-dry.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 04:42:04 | More by falloutsnow

scaliasux

Wisconsin

3.3/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Appearance - Dark reddish-brown. Clear. Medium tall tan foamy tan head.

Smell - Rich medium roast malt. Bread, chocolate, coffee.

Taste - Rich malts. Bread and somewhat bitter chocolate flavor. Hops flavor not especially prominent, but finish is quite dry. A little watery.

Mouthfeel - Medium.

Overall - Not as malty as I'd hoped. Nothing horrible, but I wanted more.

Serving type: bottle

06-05-2012 03:56:08 | More by scaliasux

deebo

Minnesota

3.7/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A-Poured into a pint glass this brew gives a finger of light tan/cream head that quickly breaks down into a skim layer. Reddish brown with pretty good clarity.

S-Slightly toasted malts with a backdrop of grainy cereal adjuncts lingering into a hint of alcohol.

T-Nice notes of toasted malt (mostly sweet but some light bitterness here too. A bit like an American brown but with more of a lager taste in the end as you'd expect from this type of beer.

M-Medium carbonation and body. Finishs pretty crisp, just a hint of bitterness.

D-A nice beer to drink with a bit more malt character than a standard lager.

O-A solid beer that I wouldn't mind having more of. I prefer this as an alternative beer to have in the summer when I'm craving some toasted malt character with good drinkability when I need a break from drinking the standard warm weather styles.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2012 01:16:54 | More by deebo

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

3.48/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes.

Appears a transparent yet darker reddish-brown in color with a single finger of fizzy cream colored head that dissipates down to a collar in about two minutes, no lacing. Smells of medium levels of dark roasted malt character with a prune / fig garnish on top. Tastes mostly malty, but maintains strict levels of dryness throughout with a strong level of carbonation on a lighter body. I've had better and I've had worse than this one for the style.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 04:53:41 | More by WastingFreetime

mynie

Indiana

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

Ahh, how I love the Munich Dunkel. Er--not a particular fan of the style, actually. It's just nice to see a beer that's labeled "dark" actually get classified into an actual style, so I got some idea what I'm in for when I open it up.

And, they kind of nailed it. It's dark ruby and smells like cereal malt, german yeast, and fruit. The worst part is the middle, which is a little too sour for the style. The best part is the end, where the yeast rubs up against the bitter malt and a lit wee bit of spicy hop and dark and ashen and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2011 01:12:38 | More by mynie

BasementBer

Manitoba (Canada)

3.73/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Raisin brown to purplish red in color. Off white head with medium lacing.

S: Sweet malts and roasty notes.

T: Nose is malts to be sure then the middle brings in the robust character of the body. But in style, the finish is light and easy to drink.

M: coffeeish feeling on the tongue with a watery feel in the throat.

D: Good beer to go back to back with, refreshingly light in taste but with a quality that is savory.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2011 03:46:42 | More by BasementBer

robbyc1

Illinois

4/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours clear dark brown with ruby highlights. Head is thick leaving a thick ring as it dissipates.

Aroma is roasted dark grain, and a hint of chocolate.

Taste is roasted dark grain with a touch of dark fruit sweetness. Finishes mildly dry with a lingering charred dark grain bitterness. There is a deep, rich, malty bomb. Chocolate for sure. Huge roasted flavor, and a bit of bitterness. Very nice.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied.

Overall a solid Munich Dunkel. Good bit of roasted malt flavor.
Very nice. Well put together, and certainly a bold flavor.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2011 21:52:06 | More by robbyc1

jsh420

Illinois

3.15/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

pours dark dark brown with a 1 finger off white semi tan head that left spotted lacing

smell - not very complex i pick up some caramel malt little fruit

taste - the nose might not be all that but the flavor is better - roasted grains dark fruit malt some chocolate

mouthfeel is a medium body with decent carbonation

overall this is an ok dark lager but not worth a repeat buy

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2011 02:09:44 | More by jsh420

Blakaeris

Iowa

3.5/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours clear dark brown with ruby highlights. Head is thick and soapy, leaving a thick ring as it dissipates.

Aroma is roasted dark grain, and a hint of chocolate.

Taste is roasted dark grain with a touch of dark fruit sweetness. Finishes mildly dry with a lingering charred dark grain bitterness.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied.

Overall a decent Munich Dunkel. Good bit of roasted malt flavor.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2011 23:44:35 | More by Blakaeris

bashiba

Iowa

2.98/5  rDev -19.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Poured a deep ruby red with a very light head.

The smell has a light cedary and caramel nose with hints of chocolate, very light.

The flavor has a very light malty flavor with some nice hints of grain, bread, and a touch of oaky cedar.

The mouthfeel is light and a bit thin and watery.

Very average, light with not much going on, even for a session lager a bit on the boring side.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2011 23:35:01 | More by bashiba

BeerLover99

New Jersey

3.43/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: deep brown, trace head, no lacing.

S: mild malt, toffee, and whiff of roasted nuts

T: sweet caramel/toffee, malt middle, mild bitter finish

M: light/medium body, slight tongue prick, above average carbonation

D: Not my favorite Capital, nor the best Dunkel. There are much better out there; that being said I could easily down a 6 pack of this...average.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2011 18:21:06 | More by BeerLover99

innersanctum

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Capital Dork is alright and I'll enjoy the six pack recently purchase.

CD has a crisp mouthfeel, a distinct lager with a slightly sweet finish.

But I've got more to say about CD's packaging. First, the label on CD has an obvious circle that covers enough of the 'A' in Dark to make it look like 'Dork'. If you guys from Capital Brew are reading this then please pay attention. You don't have to tell me that I'm drinking the High Life to help my self esteem, but don't tell me that I'm drinking Dork Dark! In fact I rather admire the gothic font, just please move your logo somewhere else on the label.

Second, the style listed herein, on Beer Advocate, is a Dunkel. Some other lesser regarded, but more commercial site (I didn't say ratebeer here) said Dunkel too. CD is a bit too tight and malty to carry the description of Dunkel but CD retains some of the crisper flavors of Dunkel to warrant it more of its cousin; there's enough of a hint of Dunkel in CD to know its in the family, but it has different parents. Dork, or Dunkel, lets just say CD, is rather like a blend of Munich Lager with some Dunkel added.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2011 02:55:54 | More by innersanctum

dbtoe

Wisconsin

3.53/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle poured into a pint glass
A pretty good dark beer. I like most dark beers and I'd take it over others but it's not one I'm going to get often.
Look is dark brown with a head that reduces to a cap and sticks around to the end.
Smell is pretty much roasted malt.
Taste is all bitter chocolate mellows a little as it warms. I don't really get anything else.
Feel very carbonated and medium body.
Drink a very drinkable beer I could easily down a 6 pack.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2010 13:50:35 | More by dbtoe

steveh

Illinois

3.3/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Grabbed a sixpack with the redesigned label that I hope is more fresh than the last sample I had of this Cap brew.

A -- Beautiful, clear chestnut brown color with a thick, eggshell white head that settles slowly.

S -- Grainy aroma with some vague spiciness, even sourness back. Wish there were more rich malty tones.

T -- Bread crust character up front that blends into that vague sourness then into a roasty character more reminiscent of a Schwarzbier. Finishes dry and the sweetness is lower than I expect from a Munich Dunkel.

M -- Light medium body with a soft to slightly syrupy mouthfeel.

D -- Drinkability is definitely good, this is a dark beer to scare your friends with then watch their surprise at it smoothness and "lightness." I just wish this was more like a true Munich Dunkel; sort of like a Doppelbock in character without the high ABV kick.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2010 21:20:36 | More by steveh

Beejay

Virginia

3.8/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Black in the glass, held up to the light and it is blood red. Nice off white head.

S: Light hop aroma, something sharp in there, but I can't put my finger on it. The malt is subdued, but present.

T: That is a deep, rich, malty bomb. Lovely. Huge roasted flavor, and a bit of bitterness. Very nice.

M: Medium to thick bodied, carbonation is good.

D: Very nice. Well put together, and certainly a bold flavor.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2010 02:27:26 | More by Beejay

beerwolf77

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to BeerFMAndy for tossing me a bottle of this.

Poured into my pint glass the beer is rusty amber brown. An aggressive pour gives me a huge three fingers of light beige head. Solid retention. A thick coating of lace is left behind as well as a nice cap.

The aroma is mostly toasted malt and a touch of spice. Swirling produces a decent amount of dark fruit and nuttiness.

The flavor has a strong malt backbone with hints of dark fruit, coffee, roast nuts and spices. Actually more going on than I antcipated.

Medium body with light carbonation.

Overall another solid lager from Capital. They sure do love the lagers.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2010 00:47:19 | More by beerwolf77

sweemzander

Illinois

4/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz. bottle poured into an imperial pint. No bottled date. Thanks to BeerFMAndy for this one!

(A)- Pours a clear brown-ish amber color that produced a decent tan head with decent retention.

(S)- A light nutty roastedness. A rustic feel with a light grassy corn meal dryness.

(T)- Very similar to the smell. A rich; rustic profile to it with a creamy nuttiness.

(M)- A good carbonation level and balance. A good malt profile with a lightly dry, hopped background.

(D)- Truthfully, not one of my most favorite styles, but this is rather good for what it is. Fits the style well and works well as something for the early fall season next to a bonfire. Good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2010 00:25:07 | More by sweemzander

deereless

Colorado

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Light brown in color, thin layer of light head, quite clear - 3.50, S: Initial whiff has a strong cacao and powered chocolate milk mix though the nose fades relatively quickly, faint fudge and candied dates, some roasted grains, no real hops that I can perceive - 3.00, T: Medium roasted malt on the palate, soft coffee, noticeable earthy hop bite - likely one of the nobles, a bready sweetness is present along with some chocolates - 3.75, M: Medium bodied - 3.50, D: All around a very drinkable beer - 3.50

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2010 00:20:28 | More by deereless

Strix

Wisconsin

3.7/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured dark brown, decent head with some lacing.

Smells of dark malts, dark fruits, and earth. The slightest lingering grain note.

Warm bread, malt, cocoa, earthiness, and dark fruits in the taste.

Medium mouthfeel and carbonation.

An easy drinking flavorful lager. Not world class, but I'd have another.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2010 00:10:33 | More by Strix

WJVII

Wisconsin

3.13/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass this brew has a clear dark amber when held to the light has a great red hue. There was a 1 finger off white head that settled to a thin cap. The aroma is a spicy with some dark malt notes and a slight molasses hint. The taste is malty upfront with some dried fruit in the back, plums, raisins, and burnt caramel. The brew is a little thin and the light carbonation could be a little stronger. This is an OK brew, but not really a bold dark lager as I like.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2010 00:45:15 | More by WJVII

bruachan

Rhode Island

4.13/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

nice lookin rocky froth you have there (any plans to abandon it soon? apparently not) and a great browncopper hue as well

ooh nice hops to the nose: how nose-ble of you (double puns don't work so well...appealing noble hop nose. sorry everyone). a little munich malt in for good measure as well. smells like europe! (note: i think that's a fair indication of beernerdery. i imagine that to anyone else "smells like europe" is a reference to perfume/cologne or BO--at least not beer)

this brew takes the classic approach to european lager style. mild bready tones in the flavor, and slight raisinishness from the munich. the hops contribute decent flavor but proceed through the finish with an odd character--perhaps i'm just not used to that hop's bittering

tasty brew. here's to subtlety!

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2010 20:43:10 | More by bruachan

russpowell

Oklahoma

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours an effervescent caramel with 1 finger+ of sand colored head. Good head retention & lacing

S: Orchard fruit & toasty malt & some metallic hops as this warms

T: T: Brown bread, plums & pears & a touch of licorice. A slight touch of Bartlett pear mingles with brown bread, dryness, a touch apples & leafy hops once this warms. Finishes fruitty & dry with a touch of brown bread, & persimmons; almost pulled a 4.0

MF: Medium bodied, fairly restrained carbonation, good balance

Drinks pretty easy, a good shot at the style & by far the best of the 3 Capital brews sent here to Oklahoma recently...

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2010 00:28:55 | More by russpowell