The Black Box collection features a Schwarzbier from 16th century Germany, a Coffee Porter from London's early brewing days, a Black IPA from modern day America and a Russian Imperial Stout that brings the timeline to the 1800s. Of course, these are not originals, but replicas made at 4 Pines' Brookvale Brewery; the brewers wanted to demonstrate their "stygian alchemy" with this release.
"A big part of what we love doing is explaining beer styles and their histories, and taking beer lovers on a journey - something we did last year with our first box release - the Bastard Series," Jaron Mitchell, 4 Pines General Manager told drinks bulletin.
Mitchell added, "For us, it’s not just about the beer that’s in your glass; it’s about a journey through history – the techniques and process and the stories surrounding it. It’s about the challenges our brewers faced today, brewing all four dark beers. The Black Box of dark ales is all of these things."
The collection retails for $34.99 (not available separately).
Schwarzbier – 500ml / 25 IBU / 4.3% ABV
If you wanted a dark beer in the 16th century, a windswept monastery in the Bavarian mountains was the place to be. The monks must have dreaded the winter winds blowing up their cassocks so thoughts no doubt turned to a comforting beer. In the case of the monks of Kulmbach, it was Schwarzbier. These thirsty Augustine monks perfected the “black beer” that would soon become famous. Yet their beer, still brewed today, may have had an even earlier start. A 3,000-year-old Celtic tomb discovered in the region contained the remains of a black beer, so if any place in the world can lay claim to being ground zero in the birth of dark beer, it is here…
Tasting notes: The classical dark German lager balances roasted yet smooth malt flavours with moderate hop bitterness. The lack of a harsh or heavy aftertaste helps make this beer extremely drinkable. Well, it is German.
Coffee Porter – 500ml / 22 IBU / 4.5% ABV
Porter was born in London circa 1720s, but the rest of the story is murkier than a London fog. Was it named after a Dutch drink called ‘Poorter’ or thirsty market porters? Did porter really start its life as ‘Thrale’s Intire’ or was it a combination of three different ales called ‘Three Threads’? There is probably a pint or two of truth in all these stories. We do know that the golden years of the 18th century saw huge vats of the black stuff tower over London and Baltic porter - a more robust version, shipped across arctic seas. But we will never shine a light on the definitive history of this libation. It does make for a ripping yarn though…
Tasting notes: Cor blimey! A collaboration with Single Origin Roasters has produced a porter that’s dark brown in colour, rich and robust in flavour and has a distinct roasted coffee aroma with fruity, chocolate notes. Luvly jubly!
Black IPA – 500ml / 77 IBU / 6.3% ABV
And in the red corner…Portland! Nestled amidst the largest hop producing regions in America, this area of the Pacific Northwest is also known as ‘The Peoples Republic of Cascadia’. The residents have longed desired to secede from the union over hop grievances and they’ll be damn well taking their beer with them, the Cascadian Dark Ale, originally brewed in Portland, Oregon in 2007. But to fan the flames of revolution further, there’s the little issue of who brewed it first – Portland or Vermont? Add the US Brewers Association decision to ban the name ‘Cascadian’, as it was felt to promote an air of ‘regional exclusivity’, and you have pistols at dawn. So Black IPA it is then.
Tasting notes: Born from a brewing civil war, its dry hop-forward balance is complemented by stone fruit, tropical & citrusy characters. Dark in colour but without strongly roasted or burnt flavours, this is probably the first secession ale…
Russian Imperial Stout – 500ml / 60 IBU / 8.5% ABV
Imbibed from Battersea to the Baltic. In 18th century London, few suspected that a rather strong porter would rise to be the toast of Russian royalty. The reason for this success, as one story goes, is that a greater amount of alcohol and hops was used to fortify the brew for its journey through Arctic waters. Another is that our Russian friends simply liked a stronger drop. Whatever the reason, once Catherine II, Empress of All Russia, tasted this alcoholic alchemy she championed the black libation and Russian Imperial Stout was born. The drink, no longer called a porter due to its stronger, more ‘stout’ nature, was reputed to keep for seven years. Fat chance in Imperial Russia…
Tasting notes: The big, intensely-flavoured dark ale has roast malt characteristics with deep, dark dried food flavours, and a warming, bittersweet finish. Like Russia, it can’t be conquered – only enjoyed briefly before beating a retreat.
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