1001 BEERS: #31. ASAHI BLACK

 

# 31: ASAHI BLACK

Asahi Breweries - Japan (Est. 1889)

5% ABV - Dark (Schwarzbier) 
IBU's - 22 - 26

Ingredients:

Malts: Dark Malt, Crystal, Munich
Hops: Czech and American
Rice, Maize

Tasting Notes

E: Light black, with a reddish/brown hue.  Opaque with small bubbles and a head that dissipates quickly.

N: Sweet malts, with an aroma of coffee and liquorice and a subtle hint of chocolate. A very mild aroma of cooked vegetable, probably present from the rice and maize.

P: Slight burnt toffee bitterness with an underlying taste of bitter coffee, almost a smoky aromatic flavour that persists on the palate.  Liquorice is present towards the end. 

M: Very light for a dark beer, slightly oily with a drying mouthfeel.

Other comments: Born out of the Asahi Breweries in Japan.  The brewery was set up in 1889 and the dark beer was first brewed in 1995, following the traditions of the much loved and understated Schwarzbier recipe.  Asahi Black is brewed in the same way as a bottom fermented lager.  The main flavour comes from the 3 malts which is the base of all dark beers.  The beer then enjoys a months cold conditioning after primary fermentation.  Overall this beer is slightly uninspiring, when compared against the German and Czech Schwarzbier's.  However, when sat out on it's own it provides a good balance and a crisp refreshing mouthfeel.

Food Pairings: Black beer works wonders with blackened food!  When you think of blackened you are initially drawn to Mexican, Cajun, South American.  The beer can stand up to spice, so look at Cajun Pork or Cajun Chicken.  Jambalaya with its cajun spices, crayfish, sausage and chicken is another good bet, where the roast / toasty flavours of the Schwarzbier can cut through it all and bring the flavours together. 

SCORE: 3.0/5

Page: 623