Review: S1NIST0R Black Ale

I’m finally getting around to typing up my notes for some of the beers I’ve reviewed over the last few weeks. First up is 10 Barrel Brewing’s ‘leet speak’ Black Ale, S1nist0r. The brew took bronze at last year’s GABF for Out of Category – Traditionally Brewed Beer. It was also the brewery’s first bottled brew, now joined by their Apocalypse IPA. Unlike all the CDAs/Black IPAs currently running rampant, S1nist0r is modestly-hopped dark ale, closer to New Belgium’s 1554 than Widmer’s W’10.

Beer Stats:
ABV: 5.4%
IBU: 28
Malts: 2-Row, Dark Malt (German dehusked Black Malt), Biscuit
Hops: Perle

Despite having ‘Black Ale’ in the name, S1nist0r poured a dark brown color, with deep red highlights and a quickly fading light brown head. The ale had a strong bready malt smell, with smaller notes of fruity yeast and spicy hops.

The first thing I noticed about S1nist0r’s taste was the yeast; the brew was full of fruity esters. I have seen a few other reviews for S1nist0r, but none of them describe the ale as being fruity. No, I take that back. I just saw Jeff’s post and he did in fact call it fruity. Anyway, I was intrigued by this, so I e-mailed 10 Barrel’s Brewmaster Thom Tash to see if he would disclose what strain is used to ferment S1nist0r. He told me that they use a British Ale Yeast from White Labs.

Ok, back to the review. After leading with its fruity esters, S1nist0r followed with a sweet, bready middle. The finish had hints of chocolate malt and a touch of spice from the Perle hops. The dehusked black malt kept the brew free of astringency. S1nist0r was smooth to drink, but a little thin, at times flirting with watery. Regardless, quite a sessionable brew.

With its ale yeast and non-aggressive hopping, S1nist0r is neither a Schwarzbier, nor a CDA. Since it doesn’t really have a category, I’ll give it a B+ based entirely on my enjoyment of the beer.

10 Barrel’s brew was both refreshing and unique. I’ll be trying their IPA as soon as I can find someone stocking it locally.

Cheers!
Kevin