Mönchshof Schwarzbier - Kulmbacher Brauerei AG

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got a bottle of this at my local place for 5.00

A - Greeted with a "pishhh" from the Grosh type swing top which locks in the freshness. A nice semi dark brown (lighter than expected) beer with a hefty inch of head.

S - Slight coffee and cocoa nips on the nose with a mild hint of burnt coal and leather.

T - MMM. Chocolate assault that easily rounds to a bitterness of coffee and malt in the finish. Really wanted more flavors but they are vivid and constant. Very nice.

M - I really appreciated that it drank like Guinness with less bitterness.

D - Man do Germans got this down! It was a surprise to find this much flavor in a beer but it might be able to use more smoke, but DON'T change a thing! A perfect brew! Shame it's 5.00 a bottle but one must pay an imported price for a great brew!

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2010 08:47:17 | More by DrDemento456

RonaldTheriot

Louisiana

4.54/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Kulmbacher Mönchshof Schwarzbier has a very thick, frothy, tan head, a clear, yet dark, ruby-brown appearance, and a lot of splotchy lacing left down the glass. The aroma is mild- toasted malt, dark coffee, dark bread, and sweetness. Taste is mild as well- sweet, malty, toasted, chocolaty, some coffee, and a bit of hops, but not too much. Mouthfeel is light and watery, and Kulmbacher Mönchshof Schwarzbier finishes crisp, refreshing, dry, and delicious. Another winner from Kulmbacher, this gets an excellent score from me. Get some!

RJT

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2013 17:55:46 | More by RonaldTheriot

PatandDavid

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this on tap at Redbones and was very impressed!

Rich dark mahogany in color, nice head, but it faded a bit quickly. The aroma was a mixture of malty-fruitiness.

David refered to the taste as 'Aventinus meets Salvator.'

I found it very fresh, very mild, very Germanic. I mean that the beer was so fresh and tasty, it was like I was drinking it in Germany...the beer had been handled very well.

Again, the taste was very mild. It was not sweet (yay!), and the carbonation was just right, not over the top at all. The malt flavor was there, but the body was so smooth, not cloying at all.

The drinkability of this beer was awesome. Would get again in a second. pat

Serving type: on-tap

07-10-2003 05:51:00 | More by PatandDavid

TongoRad

New Jersey

4.53/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a crystal clear deep translucent brown color with hints of red and a dense two-finger tan head. A thing of beauty.

Bouquet is mild yet thoroughly enjoyable with a nice blend of dark caramel, raisins, mocha and some grassy hops.

The flavor features a nifty little tug of war between the caramel and mocha flavors. The finish is crisp and bitterness is at a very respectable level. This is a hell of a session beer- nothing becomes dominant, everything is in perfect balance and there is enough complexity to keep it interesting even after a couple. A classic.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2005 02:30:19 | More by TongoRad

RBorsato

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tawny brown with mahogany tones and a low creamy tan head whcih leaves light bits of lace. Light sweet, roasty, and hoppy aroma. Rich roasty malt flavor balanced nicely by classic european noble hops. Light bitter chocolate finish and lingering aftertaste. Light-medium bodied with a light dry finish.

Per M.J. - B.C. book: Color 55 EBC, 12.5 Plato, 1050 O.G., 26 IBU.

(16.9 oz Swingtop)

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2003 14:15:45 | More by RBorsato

mattcrill

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle inspection: Very cool swing-top bottle. States that it's brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Reading that it's "malt liquor" makes me chuckle a bit but whatever keeps the government happy.

Aroma: A light biscuity sweetness, toasted rye bread, light fruity notes that all meld wonderfully together. Nothing is prominent and all is well balanced here.

Appearance: Shoe leather brown with a sudsy off-white head.

Flavor: More biscity, bread-crust flavors. A bit of background sulfur but nothing off. Just adds to the complexity. Some light hop bitterness that helps balance all the dry malty flavors. Finish is clean, slightly bitter, and dry.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, moderate carbonation with medium body. No alcohol heat and no astringency.

Overall impression: Wow. A very impressive beer. I love the malt complexity with the background hop bitterness to balance. No harsh roastiness and a rich color. Immensely enjoyable and strongly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2007 19:20:47 | More by mattcrill

bboven

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Clear, dark brown body with ruby highlights and a great head and lacing.

Strong roast, caramel, chocolate, and molasses in the aroma.

Very sweet taste with caramel and butterscotch throughout.

Smooth, mellow carbonation.

This is a hell of a beer. I will definitely be seeking it out in the future.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2008 01:47:38 | More by bboven

Deconstructionis

West Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very dark brown with robust, sudsy head which persists and coats the glass. The aroma is sweet and malty with a roasty and caramel tinge. The taste is malty and almost but not quite sweet with the balancing bitterness more from the darker roasted malts than any discernible hops. A slight hint of coffee and cocoa in the aftertate so it finishes clean. The carbonation is medium and it's deceptively light-bodied for a dark, flavorful beer. It's very drinkable and perfct for this time of year when the weather is begiining to warm but still cool.

I'm a fan of this style and this a very good schwartzbier.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2008 19:49:02 | More by Deconstructionis

superdedooperboy

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served up at the Augsburg Haus in Augusta, GA.

Poured from a 500ml swing-top bottle into a Weizen glass.

Pours very dark, though not quite Schwarz in color, with deep ruby highlights showing through when held to the light. A large off-white head rises to a mountainous peak and falls slowly, leaving thick rings of lace behind.

A wonderfully delicious roasty, toasty, chocolaty aroma wafts into the nose.

Medium-bodied, this one caresses the mouth with its incredibly rich smoothness and light carbonation. Roasted and chocolate malt flavors perfectly complement the roundness of mouthfeel, being balanced by just a hint of hops in the middle and falling down smooth with a slight roasted bitterness.

Oh, what a quaffer. This brew goes down smoothly, easily, and delightfully. Light in alcohol, this makes the perfect session beer, with enough flavor and feel to keep you wanting more. A superb example of a decidedly difficult-to-find style.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2009 16:25:44 | More by superdedooperboy

kraypd

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Flip-top bottle poured into a glass in Germany.

A – Pours nice with deep black color with a strong off-white head. The retention is good with nice lacing.

S - A nice roast aroma with hints of chocolate and coffee.

T – Very balanced taste with roast malt, chocolate, coffee flavoring. Residual sweetness adds a very slight fruity flavor which is balanced well against the roasted flavor.

M - Medium body with medium to high carbonation.

O – This beer was a nice surprise to me. Definitely one of the best Schwartzbiers that I have been able to try. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 20:00:59 | More by kraypd

sennoma

American Samoa

4.48/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Wonderful, dark, rich, warm, everything you want in a dark beer. Nothing heavy or cloying -- smell, taste and finish are all clean, almost crisp if that makes sense with such a rich brew. Just delicious. Sip on its own or pair with strong tasting foods -- I tried it with Huntsman cheese (stilton and gruyere) and roasted brussels sprouts and although it sounds odd, it was a superb match.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 04:25:41 | More by sennoma

udouche

4.48/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 500ml swing top bottle into a 16oz Pint (redundant) glass

A - Poured a thick, three finger, light colored foamy head. As the beer settles it is a deep black with reddish hues in the thinner parts of the glass at the bottom. Lacing is full, but light. Not too sticky.

S - Very mild presence. Coffee and dark chocolate are the most present aromas. Some hidden pockets of carmel and a warm breadiness. The dark roasted malts are the clear owner here.

T - Toasted malts and mocha right up front. As it settles I get the carmel and pull some mild hops and smoke. It gave me a sweet yet clean wash.

M - Light bodied, like I would expect from a lager. The carbonation is crisp and helps to give a clean dry finish.

O - Although not super complex, that is what the style calls for. The balance of front flavor and mellowing backend makes it a great session beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 14:46:03 | More by udouche

Markus2969

Virginia

4.48/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75

Had cocoa and hops taste. Dark smell with a little tobacco hint, good mouthfeel with just the right amount of carbonation. When i first saw it i thought it was going to taste like a stout or a bach bier. I was happily surprised with my first drink. Drink this one slow to enjoy every drop!

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2013 02:09:51 | More by Markus2969

granger10

Wisconsin

4.47/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Brown almost cola color with a medium light tan head. Lots of lacing.

Aroma was slightly roasted coffee and lots of toasted grains. A small peppery hop sensation creeps in as well.

Taste was decent when cold but really opened as the beer warmed. A strong maltiness holds the base of this beer. Hops are noticeable but moreso as a balancing act rather than imparting any particular flavor or extra bitterness. Toffee and caramel are the most prevalent flavors. Slight nuttyness expands as it warms. Finish is drying with a slight coffee and grain flavor. Short but I like it.

Not nearly as acidic or rough as the other Schwarzbiers I have tried. Body is slightly lighter than I was expecting but that made for easy comsuption and smoother drinkability. It also let all the flavors out to the forefront and there were no mistakes to this brew.

Not the most complex but dangerous easy to consume.

Serving type: on-tap

04-06-2006 20:55:46 | More by granger10

Will46andbrew

Rhode Island

4.47/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I've only had a few different schwarzbiers, but this is my favorite. The appearance is dark with a nice small head. The beer looks strong, but it has a smooth taste. I've had this on tap and a bottle, far better from the flip-top bottle. I've bought this several times without dissapointment!

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2006 20:40:06 | More by Will46andbrew

techdiver

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep dark brown with modest head that dissipates quickly leaving a thin layer of foam.

Roasted malt with a touch of chocolate toffee greet the nose.

Taste brings sweet roasted malt flavor, with coffee and faint hops evident.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and very smooth.

A very drinkable and enjoyable beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2007 04:00:47 | More by techdiver

Viggo

Ontario (Canada)

4.47/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Goodbar in Buffalo.

Pours a clear dark brown/red, almost black, very thick tan head, tons of lace, great retention, looks good. Smell is sweet, very malty, nice roast, figs, dark fruit, toffee, raisins, bready, bit of smoke and a touch of iron, fantastic aroma. Taste is very malty, toffee and figs, sweet raisiny middle, malty like a good doppelbock with that hint of roast, very nice. Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied, low carbonation, awesome beer. Maybe the fullest body I've ever felt on a 5%~ beer, not cloying at all, just thick and malty. Excellent!

Serving type: on-tap

07-09-2007 21:33:00 | More by Viggo

ryan1788a5

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Moan and Dove in Amherst, served in a stein.

A: Black with some hints of brown showing through around the walls of the glass. Thick creamy off-white head.

S: Huge smell of toast, a good amount of roastiness and some coffee and dark chocolate.

T: Very robust flavors of toast from the outset, some nuttiness, a great deal of roasted malt flavor and rich semi-sweet dark chocolate. Finishes roasty and dry with a hint of a metallic taste.

M: Wonderful schwarzbier mouthfeel: A bit of a milky texture, but light in body, clean, and crisp at the same time. Low to moderate carbonation.

D: Drinkability is through the roof. Damn tasty and light in body. I wish I could drink it all night.

Notes: Schwarzbier is a style I have grown to love of late. This may be the best one I've had so far.

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2010 00:05:03 | More by ryan1788a5

ALESwhatCURESya

Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Awesome Black Pils! Best I have tasted so far.

A-Deep black body with a garnet hued tone when held up to the light. A huge creamy white head clings all over the glass and holds nicely.

S-Very fresh, earthy notes are a perfect pair with the roastiness in the body.

T&M-Full-flavored throughout, but the nice thinner body feel makes this an enjoyable session brew. The roasted barely definately comes out and is nicely balanced with the small amount of hop bitterness in the finish. A doughy, chewy texture makes this beer surprisingly complex. The yeast at the bottom of the bottle gives a nice grainy spiciness in the glass.

D-Wonderful step into the small world of Scwarzbiers. The nice lager qualities are definately present in this with its remarkable smoothness. This one could be an all night drink. I really didn't think I would enjoy this one so much!

Best thing----Cool Bottle!

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2006 23:44:32 | More by ALESwhatCURESya

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

4.45/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

16.9 oz swag top bottle that made a nice 'pop gun' pop when opened, served in a large pilsner glass.

A - clear, dark brown color with a big fluffy head of tan foam that left a bunch of lacing.

S - roasted malty aroma with a hint of toffee sweetness.

T - sweet, dark roasted malt flavor is balanced with subtle hop bitterness for a dry finish.

M - light and refreshing.

D - great taste, light body and low abv help to make this an extremely drinkable brew.

Final Note: I know that at least one other reviewer said this, but I love the movie "Space Balls" so I'll say it anyway...

May The Schwarz Be With You!

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2008 21:50:28 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

jerryjeff

Tennessee

4.45/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Aroma
Very nice, getting some nice malty overtones. Chocolate, mocha possibly.

Mouthfeel Relatively low end of carbonation, nice oily feel on the palette with some creaminess.

Appearance
Poured into 20oz plastic cup as it was all I had and against the light none is making it through, completely black.

Taste
As scent hints, some chocolate and mocha I believe in there with the maltiness driving this some bitterness on the sides of the mouth but not enough presence to overshadow.

Drinkability
Rather, this is really nice. A bit of body but not so much so that it would be overly filling. Could session this easily.

Overall
Great beer, good aroma and appearance. Didn't hold a head well but could be due to plastic cup.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2011 18:39:59 | More by jerryjeff

MikieV

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours very dark, near black with a thick, pale head.

Medium roasted flavor with some smokiness. Some heife weisen flavor sneaking in, but not overwhelming, which is fine with me.

Very smooth mouth feel. Dry, very little aftertaste. Very easy to drink.Not thin, but not thick.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2011 02:16:52 | More by MikieV

DaftCaskBC

British Columbia (Canada)

4.45/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: 1" tan coloured head over cola coloured liquid.

S: Coffee, chocolate and yeast.

T: Yeast, roasted barley, toasted malt, grassy and citrus hops with a coffee/chocolate mocha finish.

M: Medium to thin viscosity and medium to thin level of carbonation.

O: Extremely drinkable and refreshing. A great beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2012 21:49:55 | More by DaftCaskBC

moulefrite

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Light chestnut color, minimal but finely crafted lace. Aromatics are divine with lightly bitter notes, bread dough, and sweet malt. On the lighter side of medium and very refreshing and tasty. The emphasis is certainly on malt, and the bready/malty flavor finishes very long-this is a super brew! Rich and satisfying as well as highly drinkable. Buy and try-no question. It will be tough to find a better example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2003 01:02:22 | More by moulefrite

biergeniesser

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This .5l swingtop of Mönchshof Schwarz poured a crystal clear dark brown with slight red tones. A thick off-white head dissipates slowly.

Aromas are predominantly of roasty malt with the slightest hint of noble hop aroma.

Mönchshof Schwarz has a nicely balanced clean flavor with elements of clean malt and sweet malt flavors. It has a pleasant hop bitterness that comes through late and lingers.

The body is surprisingly light… similar to that of a Pils. This beer is remarkably smooth and has a slight mouthcoat. It has no astringency, unlike other Schwarzbiers I have sampled, and just the slightest carbon dioxide bite.

Altogether, Mönchshof Schwarz is a highly drinkable Schwarzbier. It has been referred to as a Black Pils… and that is a pretty accurate assessment, it is a unique beer to be certain and different than any other Schwarzbier I have tried. It is easy to see why it has been deemed a “World Classic” and given four stars by Michael Jackson… it simply is that good!

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2006 20:42:33 | More by biergeniesser