Another class act from this brewery, full bodied, rich & roasted black lager

Enjoyable Black Lager. Subtle roasted aroma and flavour. Nice beer.

The last of my Utopian beers and I saved this one to share with my father-in-law who I knew would appreciate it. He visited Czechoslovakia when he served in the army so maybe have come across this style before. Initial aroma on opening the can was of milk chocolate, promising… the double decoration mash and extended boil clearly get the most out of the ingredients, as with all their beers. They’re extracting every last drop of flavour. Taste wise this is as smooth as they come. Very mellow roast notes give way to chocolate and caramel which in turn get overwhelmed by grassy lager-like bitterness. You’d be forgiven for thinking there was some noble German hops at play but it’s the humble fuggles fighting the hoppy corner. Reminds me of a dark mild, in flavour, aroma and mouthfeel. Clearly more alcohol but hidden well. Overall impression from the 6 Utopian beers I’ve had… seek them out, they’re probably the best German/Czech inspired beers you’ll find today in the UK.