Stoutmaker.beer

Today I have a beer that used to be one of my goto local beers for years. Then they stopped making it for a bit for some reason. But it is now back! Titletown Brewing’s Dark Helmet.

As mentioned, Dark Helmet was always one of my favorite beers. And have reviewed it a few times before.

A Schwarzbier, Dark Lager. This style gets described as a black or dark Pilsner. And I have this 5% beer in the awesome 16oz can.

On the pour, the very dark brown, nearly black body creates a very firm lighter tan head with compact bubbling. No apparent signs of carbonation at this point, but does appear to be clear around the brownish edges.

Even taking a break to snap some different pics, that head just stays right there. The appearance and those already lofting aromas are pretty inviting.

The light chocolate gets you first, then quickly followed by what I am pretty sure is Munich Malt with its light grainy somewhat grape-ish note. Even lighter chocolate roast is getting mixed in there as well. Everything is light, yet distinct. Nothing in the way of hopping or yeast in the nose.

Mid Drink Observation: Having had many many many pints of this beer before, I can already tell at this point, without even tasting it that this beer is different than it used to be. While it looks the same, it has a whole different aroma profile. That whole sweet grapey predominance, instead of the roasted and chocolate forefront while not bad so to speak,, but unexpected.

Finally getting to tasting. Now here the roasted malt sneaks in first, along with a lighter chocolate. Not big or over powering but very much there in just the right amounts. 

But along with that is a bit of astringency. It’s more than just a bit. Not to the point of being completely off putting, but very noticeable. 

Now creeping in we have raisin notes along with some earthy, perfumy hop taste. Pretty classic Hallertau hop profile.

The body is fairly light, but still has something to it. The carbonation, though not visible, seems to be a bit higher than what most would call average, and that’s probably what’s making this feel as light as it does. Finishes quite dry and has slight bitterness, but still keeps somewhat of a sweetness.

Well now. That was quite a beer. First of all, as a beer standing alone by itself, it is a good beer. I do like the tastes, the aromas. All of those points are light, layered and balanced with nothing taking over the show. Every aspect is just enough.

However, it is being called a Schwarzbier on their own site, I think this version is quite far from being that, mostly because of the amount of grape and raisin plus the whole astringency side.

Even though I do like this “version” of Dark Helmet, it certainly is NOT the Dark Helmet I was expecting or remember. So I guess I’ll have to go only as a 2 out of 5. And that’s too bad.