Herzog von Franken Der Schwarze
Brewery: Herzog von Franken (Arnsteiner)
Town: Arnstein
Style: Scwharzbier 5.2%
Color: deep mahogany
Head: tan, creamy
Nose: light roast
Body: medium to full
Palate: balanced, richly malty, roasty, spicy, underlying hops
Finish: lingering, semi-dry, bittersweet
Served: on tap at Gasthaus Holzapfel in Würzburg.
Impression: Herzog von Franken Der Schwarze is a rare find on tap. It’s a true Schwarzbier that’s drier than many. That’s not to understate its rich malty roastiness. The lingering semi-dry finish is decidedly bittersweet. My pour is a tad fizzy, surely rushed for a tourist but the few locals drinking it seem to have a Guinness like presentation. As it warms, the hops assert themselves. Perhaps warmer and slower pours would put this in the Black Pils category. They so serve the Wolf Black Pils, which I’ll have to try next time.
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