2012 Black Ale - Stevens Point Brewery

Minkybut

Virginia

3.46/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

I poured this beer into my tumbler at 45 degrees. The beer was certainly black. The beer had a fair head and good lacing. The beer smelled pretty much like a Guinness with its taste being chewy and very coffyish with a bit of a burnt or roasted hit. Not burnt in a bad way. I would certainly purchase this beer again.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 15:29:21 | More by Minkybut

soulgrowl

United Kingdom (England)

3.18/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Coffee-ish brown/black without much head. Black olives, licorice, Whoppers, Milk Duds... it smells dark, but not really black, if that makes sense. Weirdly like a milk stout or a mild when I was expecting more like a black IPA.

Pleasant and light, like a mild or a mix of milk stout and black lager. Cola-ish, with a touch of dark caramel and a little chocolate nougat. It's nice, but nothing more than that. Possibly a good partner for spicy Szechuan, Thai, or Indian food.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 23:16:13 | More by soulgrowl

barczar

Kentucky

3.51/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours an opaque deep brown/black with garnet highlights and a frothy one inch malted milk colored head that dissipates a little quickly, leaving spotty lacing.

Roast malt, chocolate, and nutty notes form the initial aroma. Caramel sweetness and a bit of a metallic tang surface. Hops are earthy, if anything.

Flavor reveals extremely sweet caramel malt and toffee initially, with significant dms, becoming roasty at the finish. There's an acrid character that is unpleasant. The dms don't linger, but a metallic tang does. Nutty notes are more obvious than the chocolate flavor.

Body is a tad watery, with carbonation a touch on the low side. There's an astringent bite.

Very malt forward, with good roast, toasted malt, and chocolate character, but the metallic flavor is offputting.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 02:19:51 | More by barczar

RyanLaCount03

Wisconsin

4.55/5  rDev +26.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

I tried the 2012 Black Ale as soon as it came out at my favorite local bar. It had a smell of roasted hops that was very pleasing. The texture of the beer was ok, while the taste was very good. It actually reminded me of a stout in someways due to its color, aroma and the taste. I would get this beer again as long as they continue to make it.

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2013 19:30:27 | More by RyanLaCount03

homebrew311

Illinois

2.46/5  rDev -31.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Poured into pint glass. Appears a dark cola brown with no head whatsoever. The nose has some roasted barley, notes of caramel, some artificial sweetener, and tootsie roll chocolate character. The taste has a heavy bitter roast, sweet caramel, minimal hops. Something is odd here, this tastes thin and artificial. Mouthfeel is thin and fizzy. Overall, this one needs to be passed on.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 22:49:00 | More by homebrew311

plaid75

New York

3.96/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a deep brown hue with a one finger foamy white head. There was Goid retention and lacing.

The smell featured roasted malts, caramel and a touch of lactose.

The taste consisted of an upfront roasted barley with secondary layers of caramel and charcoal. Grassy hop detected as well.

The mouthfeel was typical of the style with a dry finish and vigorous carbonation.

Overall a tasty and clean brown ale.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2013 03:27:56 | More by plaid75

TheSSG

Illinois

3.18/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours a nice, dense, tan head. Acidic, fruity, coffee-like aroma with toasted malt. Black. Starts with a bright, almost fruity, caramel/coffee acidity. Medium-low bitterness. Finish is toasted malt.

This isn't too bad. A bit more pronounced flavors of caramel than I remember. Not a bad combination of sweet and toasted.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 02:19:09 | More by TheSSG

beergoot

Colorado

3.48/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Very dark brown, nearly black (in certain light) body topped with a thick, foamy head. Decent roasted malt aroma with a bit of a charred grain hint. Smooth, velvety feel; clean with a roasted dryness to the finish; hint of malt sugars. Taste is rich and smooth with a soft, pleasing light cocoa flavor permeating everything; gentle bitterness complements the malt sweetness.

All-in-all, a really nice black ale. Plenty of soothing malt sweetness abounds, not overpowering at all. Well-made and a pleasure to drink.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 01:30:18 | More by beergoot

Damian74Shensky

South Carolina

4.23/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - black with a thick brown head poured from bottle into pint glass

S - nutty, caramel

T - nutty, caramel, some chocolate notes,faint coffee, light bitterness

M - smooth with some body

Great brown ale. It's nutty and very malty, well balanced. I recommend this beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 00:07:23 | More by Damian74Shensky

brewdude1982

North Carolina

3.55/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This was a 12 oz can poured into a snifter.

It pours a lovely black with a nice head that dissipates quickly. It has a sweet dark smell that also has some spices. The taste is very pleasing and the beer has a great body that does not disappoint, I would definitely recommend.

Serving type: can

12-07-2012 22:48:45 | More by brewdude1982

tdm168

North Carolina

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - ruby black with a big, thick, frothy, brown head that has good retention

S - nutty, caramel

T - nutty, caramel, some faint roast, light citrus, faint coffee, light bitterness

M - medium bodied, well carbonated, smooth

This is a nice, full flavored brown ale. It's nutty and very malty with a very balanced hop character. I recommend this beer to all fans of the style.

Serving type: can

11-15-2012 01:18:34 | More by tdm168

albertjr21

New York

3.7/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Enjoyed in a pint glass, pours the deepest brown you can get (black) under a thinning but well preserved head. A moderate aroma of roasted malt, light licorice and deeply roasted nut timidly calls to the nose. An overall smoky flavor highlights a crisp and roasted malt dominated body. Vanilla, roasted caramel and ground coffee are coming in on my palate. With regards to the smokiness in the flavor, this may be the only time I've been able to appreciate it because of how well balanced it is with the other flavors at play here.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2012 00:06:18 | More by albertjr21

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

3.73/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours pitch black with an amber hue on the edges, thumb of head with some retention and no real lacing.

S - Scent is rich with cocoa and hints of espresso, a unique graham cracker note and hints of honey.

T - The cocoa flavours resonate with hints of espresso, black licorice and sugary caramel. The finish has burnt cane sugar and toffee notes that linger alongside a leafy green note.

M - Medium, smooth and wet.

O - This one was a pleasant surprise boasting loads of flavour in an unsuspecting way. For a brown ale this will certainly please any fan of the style.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2012 00:04:06 | More by andrenaline

CreamCity

3.38/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into 12oz pint glass.

S - Picking up chocolate, fruit, sour.

A - Very deep dark brown, dark tan head, little to no lacing.

T - Chocolate malts, a bit of a charred flavor. Pretty subtle flavors going on.

M - Very light body, surprisingly. Otherwise it is smooth with good carbonation.

O - Not a very memorable brew. Seemed rather typical or ordinary. Don’t think they were going for this.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 05:23:00 | More by CreamCity

chilidog

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up some point 2012 on sale in Wisconsin . I'm glad I did.
Poured very dark,black. Tan head that disapates quickly. Little on lace.
Aroma of dark malts.
Taste comes through with dark malts, brown sugar, toffee, caramel, black hard candy and chocolate .
Mouthfeel is smooth, not overly sweet.
Overall a good surprise, candy like finish. Nice beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 17:15:26 | More by chilidog

schoolboy

Ohio

3.4/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This black ale has a slightly offensive aroma. It could be that it just doesn't go well with my neighbor's stinky mulch, but I think part of the nasty grassy smell is this.

It looks decent in the glass, though, and it has a characteristic for the style, if mild, taste and aftertaste. won't go out of my way for this, but it was worth a try. I think there are better examples of the style.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2012 18:40:38 | More by schoolboy

dbossman

Nebraska

3.48/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Quite black with a steady head and pretty good lacing

S: Not a ton going on here though pleasant enough--some roasted chocolate malts standout the most with a touch of both some sour grains and dark fruits; also some light hop characteristics in the finish

T: Similar to the aromas in that there is a definite lack of complexity; however, what is there is still rather pleasant; mild grassiness, some chocolatey malts

F: Quite thin for what it is; I was hoping for more depth though the creaminess does help

O: A decent little beer and actually a nice summer beer--light and refreshing and in a can, which is nice; one of my favorites from Stevens Point

Serving type: can

07-18-2012 17:58:37 | More by dbossman

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.88/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Acquired via trade from MilwaukeeCrusher so a big “Thank You” goes out to him. Poured from a 12oz bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep dark brown color, with a thin off-white head that fades quickly and leaves a thin lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is faint but contains caramelized malts, nuts, maple and a touch of hops.

T: The taste starts out sweet with flavors of maple, caramel and honey. Then some breadiness comes in from a hearty malt character. The hops presence is mild but complementary and a good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, mild kick, good representation of style, it’s a solid beer but there are others in the style that I would pick first.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2012 01:28:40 | More by TheManiacalOne

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours black, period. There's a thin tan head and no lace. The aroma is toast, nuts, and a hint of dark cherries. Mild maple and molasses shows as it warms. The flavor is bread crust, nuts, and a hint of anise with Root Beer Barrel candies coming through as it warms. It's mouthfeel is medium and mildly warming. Stevens Point 2012 Black Ale is a very good, complex brew. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 00:54:15 | More by B967ierhunter177

jdhilt

New Hampshire

3.38/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a three finger khaki head that fades slowly leaving some lace. Black color, no highlights. Light carbonation and light-medium bodied. Malty chocolate nose, flavor is roasted malt and caramel. $1.95 for a 12oz bottle from Bert’s Better Beers Hooksett, NH.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 21:58:11 | More by jdhilt

Bierman9

New Hampshire

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

Bought two 12oz bottles of this a while back ($2.50 ea). No better time than a raw, dreary March Saturday to partake... Didn't find any freshness info on the label.

Poured into a nonic, it was a dense, opaque black, with a thin, wispy trail of bubbles posing as head. Had minimal lacing, too. Had a decent nose, with some rindy hops and a touch of roastiness. It was fairly smooth, though the body was a slight touch on the thinner side of medium.

A little sweetness alights on the palate, along with some caramel and a hint of nuttiness. Has some mild bitterness, with the hops exhibiting a bit of citrus and florality. No too bad at all; somewhat of a decent session bier. Prosit!

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

1445

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2012 19:14:11 | More by Bierman9

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

2.93/5  rDev -18.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Reviewed from notes.

A. Very dark brown with a two finger brown foamy head that receded back to a collar in about two minutes with medium levels of lacing left behind.

S. Exceedingly faint roasted aroma, ghostly cocoa powder appears only once it has had time to warm up to room temp.

T. Gentle roasted malt, some faint nuttiness, and that's about it. I wish there was some amplification in place here.

M. Lighter side of medium body, good carbonation levels, nothing out of the ordinary here.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2012 02:15:53 | More by WastingFreetime

RobinLee

Wisconsin

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had both bottle and can, a privilege reserved for Stevens Point area residents. The can is a little less of everything compared to the bottle, I think. This review's of a bottle poured into a glass.

A: Nearly black. When lifted up to a light, very deep red shows at the edges. Nice white head, but it doesn't stick around.

S: Roasty, malty, and almost fruity, slightly chocolatey.

T: Roasted cocoa and malt. Swish it around a bit, and the fruit comes out nicely.

M: Very pleasant mouthfeel, not quite stout or porter heavy, but then again, it is a black ale.

O: Smooth enough for easy drinking, yet has enough body to be satisfying. One of my favorites from Point.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 07:52:44 | More by RobinLee

NuclearDolphin

Minnesota

1.85/5  rDev -48.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Poured into a Pint Glass

Appearance - Coal Black with no type of color differentiation at all when held up to the light. The head has a pretty brown color to with no lacing retention to speak of. Had I not known this was supposed to be a brown ale, I would've mistaken this for a Porter or a Stout, but then again, it is called "Black Ale" for a good reason.

Smell - Very subtle Chocolate & Cocoa and some roasted malts with an overall slight sweetness. The smell just isn't there! I had to double check just to be sure that it was the beer that had no scent and not because my seasonal allergies were returning, which usually causes my sense of smell to vanish.

Taste - The taste sadly doesn't change from the smell. You have the subtle sweet chocolate, roasted malts and barley taste to it, which also has very little flavor to speak of. For a dark beer, the taste is just not there.

Mouthfeel - Body feels average which expected out of darker beers, but at the same time there's a slight thickness to it. The carbonation, compared to other Stevens Point Brewery beers I've had, is alot more subdued here.

Overall - Stevens Point Brewery, you have really creative ideas when it comes to marketing your products but your actual beers come off as disappointing because there's little to no flavor at all. I'm pointing this out in particular because this would've been an absolutely phenomenal brown ale had there been more flavor, but right now it just comes off as a good idea for a brown ale executed poorly.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2012 22:54:08 | More by NuclearDolphin

jleslierogers

Tennessee

3.53/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I poured Point’s 2012 Black Ale from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass and enjoyed it at an approximate 42 degrees F.

Appearance: The color is very dark. Not brown, but as close to a true black as you could ever expect to find in an ale. Held up to the light, only the edges take on a dark amber. A thin, light-tan head forms after pouring but quickly dissapates.

Smell: There is, at first, the tang of fruit blossoms, sweet and sharp, but this is quickly joined by a light dusting of cocoa.

Taste: The mildness of the carbonation compliments the lightly roasted malt that is present upon first taste. Then there are small doses of sweet caramel and bitter hops, the hops holding out a little longer than the caramel. These do not last long, however, and are soon replaced by an encore of the cherry and chocolate smelled earlier, persisting a pleasantly long amount of time after each swallow.

Mouthfeel: 2012 is medium-bodied and the flavor is complimented quite well by its smell. Its weight is less than you would expect such a dark beer to be, though this could be due in part to the relatively short list of contributing flavors.

Overall: This beer is smooth enough for consecutive drinking yet flavorful enough to hold your interest. It’s what I’d call a “yummy” beer. Though I drank this without food or smoke, I would imagine it would be quite good with a steak and baked potato or some dry-rub barbeque like ribs or brisket. 2012 is good enough that I would drink it again, and good enough that I would recommend it to a friend, especially those who enjoy nationally distributed brown ales like Newcastle or 1554.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 02:50:53 | More by jleslierogers