New Belgium 1554 Black Lager

This 5.6% ABV beer is from New Belgium Brewing of Fort Collins, Colorado. It used to be 1554 Enlightened Ale, but since this is a lager, there must be some difference.

The beer pours a dark mahogany, with ruby and garnet when held to the light. There is a short head of off-white to very light tan head. The aroma is surprisingly charred, lots of dark roasted malt, some coffee and very dark cocoa. The taste follows the aromas, very charred in a pleasant way, coffee, a touch sweet, but ending dryly. It is medium bodied and refreshingly carbonated. This is really flavorful and drinkable and very nice!