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Wed, 09 May 2007
Saranac - Black Diamond Bock (13:44)
When I saw that the Brewer's Choice earlier this year was "Black Diamond Bock" I had to try some. The label says the name comes from the black diamond (expert) ski trails, and of course here in upstate New York the big winter pastimes are skiing and shoveling (and drinking beer). Since I usually like Saranac brews, I got a six pack.The pour
Not as dark as I expected. Very clear. Moderate head, although it kept a thin head all the way through the time I had it under observation. The aroma was malty, not a heavy malt like a stout or porter, but both malt and hops were detectable. Since this was brewed with lager yeast it isn't surprising that it looks like a lager, albeit a reddish one.
The taste
It's a lager. Very smooth, the label says aged for months, with light hopping which starts at the tip of the tongue and finishes on the back of the roof of the mouth. This is not a "bold statement" beer, as some brewers produce to set their bock apart from the rest, whoever that might be. If I was going to characterize this beer, I would say polite but not boring. The malt and hops are really well balanced, but it isn't bland for it. I think this one would go very well with food, almost any food.
I enjoyed this brew, although I tend to prefer a bit less balance if I'm just sitting down to mix beer with conversation. And if I was going to drink this as a thirst quencher in really hot weather, I like lager with a bit more bittering hop bite. But beers with lots of character frequently go with one type of food and not well with others. This bock seems likely to go well with almost any food, and will be used with meals until the supply runs out.