Capital Dark Lager (2011)

Thanks to Joshua Schipp for getting me an assorted six pack for Christmas. This was one of the beers, as I'm guessing he remembered from one of our other beer tastings that several had recommended it. Tasted Monday afternoon following a brief attempt to run (fail) after the car accident last Tuesday.

Appearance: Dark brown with a red hue when held to the light. Clear during pour, but color makes any visibility impossible. Head is soapy and bubbly during its short life, but soon dies into a soapy white ring around the inner perimeter of the glass. Filtered.
Aroma: Toasted malt bill with hints of crystal and even  minute undertone of roasted malt. Clean scent. Nutty and even hints of bittersweet chocolate are present, but very minimally. Definitely a clean lager smell about this beer.
Taste: Very light foretaste sweetness. Much of the flavor is in the second half when the noble hops come in with a drying, faint floral bitterness. To complement this, a roasted grain flavor emerges, paralleled by chocolate. A nutty sweetness provides the foundation for these flavors, acknowledgeable once the beer warms up. Overall this beer is very clean tasting.
Mouthfeel: High carbonation, but enticingly deceptive (for those who relate dark with heavy). Bites the back of the mouth, and provides a light lagered spiked texture on the palate. Dry and extremely refreshing and drinkable.
Overall Impression: Very tasty and extremely drinkable. A beer made for all occasions. Whether it's something to bring to a dinner party, or you're still in college and you want something easy drinking but classy. Nice work, Capital.


90/100