Beer of the Weekend #1,110: Black Dog Lager

As a lover of Led Zeppelin and a sucker for rock-themed beers, I could not resist trying Black Dog Lager, brewed by House Divided Brewery of Ely, Iowa.

Serving type: 16-ounce can. No freshness date.

Appearance: Pours a deep brown, almost black, into a pilsner glass. A finger of dense, buttery, light tan head leaves a frothy skim and collar and trails of lacing.

Smell: Caramel, toasted malt, light roast, toffee, maple syrup.

Taste: Toasted malt, light roast, chocolate, toffee, maple syrup. The mouthfeel is light and watered down but the beer is still tasty.

Fun facts about Black Dog Lager:

• Style: Schwarzbier.

• Price: $9.99 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.

• Alcohol content: 5.7 percent ABV.

• Here is the description via the brewery website:

You can’t keep away from getting your fill of this dark German lager. Your eyes will shine as you enjoy the balance of roasted yet smooth malt flavors with a slight hop bitterness. Dreams of this lager all through your head will have you tellin’ all your friends.

I like all the “Black Dog” references.

• Speaking of “Black Dog” references, the back of the can features this diagram of the lyrics:

• Also speaking of black dogs, I’ve had two: June and Ruby.

The Quiet Man’s grade: B-.