While other breweries are busy busting out hazies and fruity sours for spring time, Young Henrys have gone dark one last time for the year with this barrel-aged beauty as part of their Remastered series, which revisits classic YH recipes from the vault.
Taking its name from the famous Spinal Tap scene, None More Blacker was first created in Young Henrys’ birth year way back in 2012. The story goes they tried smoking hops (for the brew, silly) but ended up stinking up the local area with the suss smell instead.
For the 2024 revival, they’ve skipped the smoked hops and that’s fine - this drop is near flawless just as is. In fact, it might just be the best beer I’ve tasted this year.
While some schwarzbiers can taste a bit thin and flat, this one boasts body for days. Black as night with a tan head, it’s silky, luscious and a touch creamy, thanks to a lash of lactose. Aged for three years in various barrels (rum, wine, beer), there’s some serious black magic going on here with a beguiling blend of rum and raisin, roasted malt, dark chocolate, whisky, warm oak and noble hops.
With an ABV of 6.66%, it's the number of the beast, but this beer is a beauty I’m still thinking about two days later. It’s a limited release and keg-only, so embrace the darkness while you can.
Jason Treuen
Published September 25, 2024 2024-09-25 00:00:00
