New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale (7/10)

Next up from New Belgium is their 1554 Black Ale.  This ale is brewed with Pale, Carapils, Munich, and Chocolate malts, along with Target hops.

It pours a nearly black color with finger-thick beige head that lasts a couple of minutes.  The head leaves behind rings of lace-like lacing at last a while.

The aroma is sweet, chocolate and malt both making an appearance.

The flavor is a semi-sweet chocolate malt combination with a just a hint of hops.  It’s not particularly complex, but certainly pleasant enough to enjoy drinking.

Beer Advocate rates 1554 an 85/86 out of 100.  Rate Beer gives it a 93.  While I find 1554 a pleasant ale to drink, I don’t think it’s quite deserving of an 8 or 9 out of 10, so I’m therefore giving it a 7.  It’s an easy and pleasant beer to drink, but it’s not outstanding or fantastic.

This beer is probably not yet available in Ohio, though a number of other New Belgium products are.

Flavor Profile:

Sweet, Malty, Dry, or Bitter:  Malty
Spice Level:  None
Hops Level: Low
Dominant Flavors: 
ABV: 5.6%
IBU: 21
My Rating:  7/10