Allagash Black - Allagash Brewing Company

fmccormi

New York

4.23/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

Straight pour from a 12oz pry-off bottle to an oversized wineglass (large HF stemware); bottling date of November 1, 2012 printed in white ink on the side of the label, just above the barcode, assuming it’s a Julian variant (“3062 10:19”). Or, March 3, 2013. So, either four and a half months old, or just under three weeks old. Merg?

Appearance (3.75): One and a half to two fingers of light tan head rises off of the pour, capping a dark, slightly chocolate-y brown, slightly hazy head (when held up to the light). Brown in so far that dark chocolate is brown—very, very dark brown. Decent retention, but really nice lacing—a few wide, broad splotches of thin foam arc all around the glass along with scattered, fat suds and a few legs.

Smell (4.0): Interesting mix of lightly spicy notes (clove-y), sweet, dark fruits (plums, raisins, some red grapes), some mild cocoa, light cinnamon, and brown sugar—but it all meshes together in a way that evokes cola, which is interesting. Very light, earthy coffee tones underneath, not the dark, rich scents of French roast coffee, but something lighter and fruitier.

Taste (4.25): Now this, I really like: starts off with a nice mix of tingly spice and floral-grassy hops character, followed by some subtle, dark, sweet fruits (like stewed dates with brown sugar), and then a wave of nice coffee bitterness—again, not super dark roast coffee, but on the lighter side. And, some earthy cocoa and cola hanging around underneath it all. The yeast used here mainly contributes the dark fruit character, which actually works well with the wheat malt, which offers a brighter, slightly tart counter, but it does have some clove, coriander, and white pepper notes that mesh with everything else really, really surprisingly well. The coffee roast, some floral-citrusy bittering hops, and a bit of spice hang around for a while in the finish.

Mouthfeel (4.75): Excellent, like really, really f’ing good. Soft carbonation at first, easily filling the spaces and tingling actively all over but never prickling—and the body is medium-weight but full-feeling, but also soft and smooth. Finishes neatly on the dry side, making this go down way too fast. Nearly perfect feel.

Overall (4.25): Overall, I really dig this little bastard. It really pulls off a mix of American-ish stout characters we all know and love, blended with interesting and somehow not-clashing Belgian characteristics: fruity yeast, fruity malt, moderately bitter coffee and hops, wonderful feel and carbonation, just and excellent blend. Seriously impressed, Allagash.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 13:44:44 | More by fmccormi

cracgor

Texas

4.3/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This bottle is from Batch #14.

The bear is a style I am less familiar with, so I will get more so. It has a mice dark. she with n tm head like I might expect. It has moderate head retention.

The best quality is the aroma. an aromatic and floral mix. It has a grape/ ester that carries into the taste. It tastes a hit spicier mixed with the dark malt. It has a very full body compared to the alcohol content overall a nice offering.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2012 23:30:33 | More by cracgor

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.85/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This unique brew - a "Belgian-style stout" has a pronounced charred character to it alongside that classic Belgian yeast flavor. It's got a complex nose and palate to be sure, but it is a rather odd taste that some might not be able to get behind. Me, personally, I can't drink a full 12oz. glass of this. Just not to my taste, though I also don't think this style lends itself to general drinkability. Still, I can appreciate what's going on here.

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2012 19:27:14 | More by TheRealBigC

jtierney89

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Deep deep brown with a sticky off white head. Sweet fruity belgian yeast notes on the nose along with sweet dark malts. Asphalt, chocolate covered raisins, and dark fruits.

This beer melts in your mouth. Sweet chocolate malts with a creamy mouthfeel. Sweet dark Belgian candy sugars upfront followed by an intense roasted character. Finishes with decadent sweet chocolate covered dark fruits, a fine earthy bitterness, and a touch a smoke. The rich body holds up perfectly to the carbonation creating a truly layered flavor experience. So many flavors hide itself in this dark brew including bananas, hazelnuts, plums, and leather. Allagash Black has the drinkability of it's fine Belgian counterparts, with the depth of a classic Russian imperial stout! This is an intense beer!

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2012 03:04:33 | More by jtierney89

nebula1999

Connecticut

4.18/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at DaCapo's Restaurant in Avon, CT.

Full pint served in proper stemmed Allagash glass. Nearly pitch black, with thin beige head.

Aroma is subtle for me, but has hints of cocoa, candied sugar, caramel in the nose.

Taste is phenomenal. Cocoa again, caramel, Belgian yeastiness. Some pleasant wintery spice I can't quite place. Very soft & silky with maybe a hint of oats. But the oats role here is really in the mouthfeel. Outstanding beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2012 14:51:27 | More by nebula1999

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.85/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

About 7 oz poured into a Duvel tulip.

A: Pours a dark brown color that betrays a hint of transparency even in this dark environment. The head is a one finger light khaki color that fades to a thin collar relatively quickly. There's a hint of spotty lacing on the glass.

S: Rather estery, especially with pear and apple. I have to dig around to notice the chocolate and roast, but its there. Another taste noticed a touch of sourness.

T: At first, it's a bit roasty and chocolaty, but the finish betrays its Belgian roots with fruity apple esters. The faint touch of sourness on the aroma comes through on the general flavor, which I really appreciate. It really takes a few sips to appreciate everything going on in the profile, but once that happens, one can really appreciate the complexity and nuance within this.

M: A little bit on the heavy side, but with a great finishing dryness and moderate carbonation.

O: The first sip doesn't wow me, but it rewards a patient palate with solid complexity. I'd definitely have this one again.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 01:58:00 | More by ThisWangsChung

Dope

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Batch 25, no date. I assume roughly 2 years old.

A: Pours a very dark brown with a big fluffy light brown head adorning it. Fades very slowly. Moderate lacing left behind and good head retention.

S: Fairly strong char and coffee up front. A little dark fruit in the form of raisin. Some stale bread mixes in. Just a hint of smoke.

T: Smoky char up front with just a touch of dark fruit. A bit of coffee and bitter dark chocolate in the middle. Ends with a little more bitter char and smoke and some earthiness.

M: Fairly thin for a "stout" but not horribly so. Has a bit of a chalky presence, almost ashy.

O: Not much belgian presence in this one. With its relative thinness and the presence of a bit of smoke, it's honestly very similar to an english porter more than anything. Not bad though, nice roasted malt and nice balance. Drinkable enough.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2012 03:18:26 | More by Dope

horshack7

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: This one is quite an abyss of darkness with a tawny to beige head a solid one finger thick. The hed retention is quite good leaving behind good lacing.

Aroma: Dark fruits, raisins, mild fig, prunes, light notes of dark bread, touches of caramelized sugar.

Taste: Dark fruits once again, spice, black licorice, figs, floral hop, dark roasted malts with faint notes of molasses. The finish has a light crispness and dryness and touch of a toffee texture.

Notes: Quite tasty a little bit of a sipper but very drinkable. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2012 02:37:42 | More by horshack7

mgironta

New Jersey

3.63/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The brew poured with a half a finger of tan head that lingered for awhile and left lacing on the glass. The body was a deep black with no visible carbonation. The nose had a lot of roasted malts with a hint of sweetness. The taste was definitely interesting. I got some smoke and definite roasted malts with a hint of Belgian yeast at the end. The body was a moderate thickness with very low carbonation. The alcohol was also really well hidden. The finish lasted awhile with the roasted malts that were apparent in the taste. For me, I enjoyed the brew, but the roasted malts just overwhelmed everything. If I didn’t know that this was an Allagash beer, I wouldn’t be as disappointed. But, this is probably my least favorite brew from them.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2012 01:24:52 | More by mgironta

fourthaxis

California

4.23/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Into the black abyss with you! As the label implies, this beer pours like motor oil. Despite the 7.5% alcohol, it feels like a solid kick in the pants. I'm always a fan of a $4 bottle of stone. But if I want to belly up and pay $10+ for a bomber, Allagash is worth every penny.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2012 04:44:08 | More by fourthaxis

brureview

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Excellent beer if served in a tulip and at about 48F.

No head. Beautiful molasses color. I noticed black chunks from the underside of the glass- chocolate?

Excellent light molasses-caramel aroma.

The mouth feel is a bit carbonated, but contributes to the overall balance of the beer.

The finish is slightly alcoholic- this adds to the flavor and mellows with warming.

Overall, a solid enjoyable beer. Perhaps my current favorite from the brewery.

Serving preparation: I put the bottle in my freezer for about 50 minutes. It was stored at room temp.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2012 00:42:32 | More by brureview

RussBecker1

3.68/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap during an allagash event at Kudu coffee house, Charleston, SC

A-Pours almost pitch black with some deep mahogany and ruby when held up to the light. Nice dirty foamed head sits high atop the brew, but appearance wise the beer seems a bit thin.

S- Pretty rich smell. The roasted malts overwhelm the nostrils which bounce between a strong hint of coffee and a slight nudge of hop bitterness.

T- A nice balance between an imperial stout and a black ale with highlights from both styles. The juxtaposition confuses the taste buds at first but is wrapped together with a beautiful coffee aftertaste that leaves you wanting more.

M-Fairly bland, neither viscousy nor crisp enough to leave much of an impression.

O-Nothing extraordinary but a nice beer that I would recommend over a variety of other allagash products

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2012 13:12:46 | More by RussBecker1

thagr81us

South Carolina

3.63/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served from tap into a Trappe Door tulip. Poured a massively dark brown with a three finger very light tan head that subsided to a one finger slowly. Maintained phenomenal lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, roasted malt, dark fruit, wood, fruit, banana, and subtle spice. The flavor was of sweet malt, dark chocolate, roasted malt, fruit, dark fruit, wood, subtle alcohol, and subtle smoke. It had a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a pretty decent brew. There was quite a bit going on in this one that definitely kept the senses guessing on what to expect next. The aroma on this one was definitely the highlight of this one though as it was quite inviting and very nicely balanced with a nice roastiness and fruit profile going on. The flavor wasn’t too far behind, but the dark chocolate profile going on definitely added just a touch more roastiness than was needed in my opinion. Still a solid brew that should not be ignored.

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2012 18:27:59 | More by thagr81us

alameda5

Massachusetts

3.73/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Black belgian style stout? This will be my first belgian stout, because I have never heard of a belgian stout before.

As I hold this up to the light it gives off an almost black and tan look. Very dark up top but as you make your way down it looks brownish red, nice. The head is fluffy, off white, that lingers all the way through, never disappearing.
The aroma of this beer is pretty average, nothing mind blowing. I feel the same about the mouthfeel. Pretty much the norm for a stout style beer.
The flavor is pretty nice, spice up front followed by chocolate and roasted malt. I feel the spice is the dominant flavor with this stout.
Overall this is nice stout. Allagash does a pretty good job with the beers they produce and this is another I'm really enjoying from them.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 21:10:59 | More by alameda5

NoLeafClover44

Delaware

4.33/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed from notes on 7/7/12. 12 oz. bottle poured into Allagash Chalice.

A - Black in color with a finger of almond head and ruby highlights in the light. Very good lacing.

S - Roasted malt, hazlenut, oak, belgian banana and clove.

T - The flavor is very belgian-forward. Chocolate covered banana is prominent along with sweet marshmallow. Smoke on the finish.

M - Creamy with micro-carbonation. The body is medium-full.

O - I enjoyed this beer while sitting in a cabin overlooking Horseshoe Pond in Maine. The setting, along with the beer in the Allagash glass are perfect. I would certainly classify this more as a stout than a BSDA, but it was fantastic regardless of style classification. I highly recommend this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2012 01:56:20 | More by NoLeafClover44

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- Pitch black body poured into a tall tulip. Massive foamy off white head forms with good retention. Not much lace to speak of.

S- Basically as advertised. Stout qualities like cocoa powder, roast cereal grains from malt. The Belgian yeast brings spice, raisins and dark fruit. Slight Euro hops.

T- A bit spicier than the nose and overall the yeast makes itself more present here. It almost has a Dubbel yeast profile (spice, raisin) balanced out with the dark cocoa, roast grains and sweets. Spicy grassy Euro hops.

MF- Foamy yet creamy with a smooth Belgian overall feel. Carbonation is on the lower side but it helps support the spicy stout flavor. Slight alcohol warming. Perhaps more dried out than I wouldlwould like but it makes sense with Belgian yeast.

It delivers what they say it will. Good Belgian spicy yeast profile with a dark cocoa roast stout balancing.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2012 01:44:18 | More by cbutova

WanderingFool

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This review of Allagash Black is from a bottle I aged in my basement for the past few years. Not exactly sure how old it is, but it's at least 3 years old.

Black pours, well, black into the glass with a small light tan head. As the foam fades away it leaves lots of spots of lace on the glass.

The aroma is rich and malty. Smoke, dark fruit (cherry, strawberry), molasses and brown sugar are present. There's also a nuttyness in the aroma.

Each sip of this medium bodied beer is soft and smooth with light carbonation. The flavor is rich with roasted malt and nuts, followed by a touch of strawberry. It finishes dry and slightly bitter. Once gone the dark malt and strawberry lingers on the palate.

This is a very tasty beer that's easy to drink and ages very well.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2012 23:27:19 | More by WanderingFool

Beer_Runner

4.15/5  rDev +2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Dated as Batch 29 on the label.
Slowly poured into a standard pint glass.

A: It poured to a huge four-plus fingers of dark khaki and very foamy head that disapated to about half a finger and left some nice lacing.

S: It has a candy sugar sweet aroma, and there are also hints of sweet dark fruits and dried fruits. Also, there is a slight hint of funky Belgian yeast and just a little bit of alcohol booziness.

T: The taste has plenty of sweet dried fruit flavor consisting of raisins, figs, and plums; and, there is also just a little bit of a tart bite. There is also just a hint of Belgian yeast funk, but not too much.

M: It has a medium body, and it is very smooth. It also leaves a little bit of a slick mouth coating.

O: A very nice stout. The dried fruit and the little bit of Belgian yeast funk work well together. Also, the little bit of tart bite nicely balances with the sweetness and the dried fruit.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 21:23:35 | More by Beer_Runner

womencantsail

California

3.8/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Very dark copper in color with an off-white head. Sweet caramel and toffee notes with a bit more in the way of roast and chocolate than I usually expect in a quad. Still, decently sweet. The roast and slight coffee flavors are a bit strange, but they work, I suppose. A touch of chocolate along with dark fruit and the usual toffee, caramel, and brown sugar notes.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2012 20:57:20 | More by womencantsail

tdm168

North Carolina

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - deep, dark black with a thin layer of foamy, thick, brownish head that has great retention

S - clove, roasted malts, faint chocolate, apples, banana

T - clove, banana, roasted malt, mint, chocolate, spicy, herbal

M - full bodied, smooth, well carbonated

This has decent flavor and a nice body. It's a tad spicy and yeasty, but it has a solid malt character. I will definitely accept this as a "Belgian Stout". I'll have this again.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 00:28:31 | More by tdm168

RTEdmunds

New Hampshire

4.23/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a thick 2 finger khaki colored head, dissipates within 30 seconds or so. Darker than I imagined; it's nearly opaque.

Bold, roasty, and slightly chocolatey aroma up front. I can also detect some subtle dark fruits.

Does not taste as chocolatey as the nose let on. I get more of a coffee flavor. Follows up with raisin and banana. Feels like the phenols are somewhat high. Overall very complex and inviting flavor.

This is surprisingly drinkable. Carbonation is medium low, and it's quite smooth. Clean finish.

Probably the best I've had by Allagash to date. I'll definitely pick this up again. But the question remains... is this a stout or dark ale!?

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2012 03:52:05 | More by RTEdmunds

kangarooAdam59

Wyoming

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled November 2011:

In my chalice:

A: very dark brown body, almost black that yields a small soft filmy one finger tan head that dies within fifteen seconds. The body is too dark for any carbonation to be seen. No lacing is seen.

S: very complex and inviting with some dark chocolate coming in very lightly along with some banana and raisins.

T: brings back the dark chocolate, banana and raisins yet also has a bit of roasted coffee. The alcohol comes out a bit in the taste as the beer warms.

M: medium to heavy with nothing bad on the tongue. It gets pretty creamy and the carbonation is light all around, sessionable

O: probably my top beer by Allagash, one that I will continue to have

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 17:22:32 | More by kangarooAdam59

kylehay2004

Florida

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: 2.5 finger off white head on a slightly hazy black/dark brown body.

S: fruity belgian yeast actually comes through on this one which is stronger once the head fades. Coffee and roasted malts as well.

T: blunted tropical fruit and belgian yeast up front fading to chocolate, espresso and roasted malts.

M: medium body and moderate carbonation.

Overall: very well made, fairly complex. The belgian yeast meshes well and better than I expected with the usual harsher notes of a mildly coffee heavy stout.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 00:29:14 | More by kylehay2004

macrosmatic

Florida

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from bomber into a pint glass.

A: This is a very dark brown beer, and forms a moderate amount of off-white head. Only minimal visible carbonation. Very nice looking beer.

S: Roasted malts, coffee notes, and some dark fruitiness.

T: Coffee malt flavors predominate. Some chocolate notes. Pretty tasty.

M: Lighter mouthfeel than looks. Well-carbonated but not overly so.

O: I'm a bit fuzzy on whether this is a Stout (per the label) or a Strong Dark, and it seems to straddle both styles. Either way, it's a very pleasant beer and easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 19:46:10 | More by macrosmatic

andrewinski1

Maine

4.08/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a tulip. The color is very dark amber/black. There is a very thin light tan head.

The aroma is smoky with some coffee and licorice.

The taste has some nice slightly sweet malt flavor. There are notes of chocolate with some coffee mixed in. There is a nice sweet creamy finish.

The body is light, with smooth soft carbonation. This is delicious. It has a lot of great stout flavor and aroma without being sweet.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2012 03:49:37 | More by andrewinski1