Tasting notes

An opaque, full-bodied black lager with mild bitterness. Extravagant treacle and aniseed aromas.

XINGU Black Beer is a dark lager brewed from barley, hops, water and yeast—nothing else—which you might find surprising considering the heavy notes of anise and treacle (which is like a heavy, almost medicinal molasses). Look for flourishes of black currants and vanilla beans. The opaque blackness is a result of using a variety of black-roast malts from South American-grown barley. Rated by the Beverage Tasting Institute as "Outstanding" with a tremendous 91 points. As they put it, "in two words: black silk." Good with Latin American dark meat dishes, as well as pumpernickel & pastrami sandwiches, served with a dill pickle.


"This black lager takes its colour from the roasted malts used in its production, and pours with a thick, tan-coloured head. That roasted quality doesn't dominate the nose however, which has just a touch of toasted grain and a hint of chocolate, in otherwise quite a clean, slightly citrus profile. In the mouth this has quite a full texture, and the immediate impression if of sweetness. The sweet flavour continues through the mid-palate, though some of the dark roasted malt and a nice hint of bitter hops does begin to cut a way through. An unusual style, certainly more lager than stout, and though slightly too sweet for my palate, quite enjoyable"

- Roger Protz