What is a black beer?

"Black beer" is a bit of a broad term, but it generally refers to dark beers that have a black or very dark brown color. This color is usually achieved through the use of roasted barley malt, which contributes a wide range of flavors depending on the degree of roasting.

Here are some examples of black beers, with their common characteristics:

Stouts:

* Dry Stouts: These are typically dry and bitter, with a roasted coffee and dark chocolate flavor profile.

* Sweet Stouts: These have a smoother, more balanced flavor with notes of sweetness from lactose or other sugars.

* Oatmeal Stouts: These have a creamy mouthfeel thanks to the addition of oats, and often have a slightly nutty flavor.

* Imperial Stouts: These are very strong stouts, often with higher alcohol content and bolder flavor profiles.

Porters:

* Brown Porters: These are slightly less dark than stouts and have a more balanced flavor profile with notes of caramel, chocolate, and coffee.

* Baltic Porters: These are strong porters with a higher alcohol content and often have a more complex flavor profile.

Other Black Beers:

* Schwarzbier: This is a German black lager, characterized by its clean, crisp flavor and roasted barley notes.

* Black IPA: This is a style of IPA that is brewed with dark roasted barley, giving it a black color but still retaining the hoppy bitterness of an IPA.

The exact flavor of a black beer will vary depending on the specific style, the ingredients used, and the brewing process. However, they are generally characterized by roasted flavors, such as coffee, chocolate, and dark fruit, as well as a smooth and often creamy texture.

If you're looking for a black beer, be sure to ask your local bartender or brewery about their selection and what they recommend.