by Shawn Connelly

Created on: November 28, 2008

Black Noddy Lager from Buckbean Brewing Company in Reno, Nevada is the second of two beers I've sampled from this relatively new brewing company. Both are unique in their own ways, but one aspect that sets Buckbean Brewing Company apart from many domestic craft brewers is the fact that they employ the use of canning to package their beers for distribution. Buckbean's Black Noddy Lager, like their Original Orange Blossom Ale, is presented in an attractive pint-size can rather than the more common amber glass bottle. Black Noddy Lager is a fine example of an American-made schwarzbier (black beer) in every respect. I hope you enjoy the review and I hope you can find this fine beer From Buckbean Brewing Company as they seek to expand their distribution network into more regions within the U.S.

The beer pours a rich onyx color with subtle ruby highlights in the light. A massive two-finger head of light chocolate rises from the pub glass and lingers long after the pour. Rings of lacing line the glass as the tight, foamy head subsides slowly. This beer looks inviting in every respect.

The nose is a pleasant balance of roasted malts, dark coffee beans and bitter chocolate with a nice nutty character breaking through the bolder notes, inviting me to lift the glass again. And lift, I did. The flavors are consistent with the nose in most every respect. Well balanced roasted malts combine with the dry bitterness of the hops to give the impression of black coffee and dark, bakers chocolate more than anything else. The nutty character is here as well, offering a rich yet moderate flavor profile that is not as bold as you'd find in an ale, but substantial enough to give this dark lager loads of character. Nothing too intense or over the top here, of course, but there doesn't have to be and there really shouldn't be in a traditional Scwarzbier.

The mouth feel is on the thin side, but doesn't come across as too thin to support the afore-mentioned flavors. This is, again, consistent with the style and comparisons to heavier porters and stouts is really unfair. Ample carbonation give this beer a terrificly smooth, almost creamy mouth feel that is, in my opinion, this beer's strongest asset. The finish is dry and clean with only a slight residual hint of nuttiness remaining. I find this beer from Buckbean to be infinitely better than their Orange Blossom ale and well worth trying if you can get it. Nothing groundbreaking, as I said, but a very good representation of the style they were going after. Just goes to show you - never judge a brewery by a single beer. This beer is very good and flavorful enough that die-hard porter fans would enjoy this one as well. A win for flavorful lagers in this one, for sure.

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