Schell's Chimney Sweep

Schell's Chimney Sweep. August Schell Brewing Company, New Ulm, MN. 12 fluid ounces.

I thought at first glance that this new brew was labeled without any information on it whatsoever, aside from the legalese that every label must carry. At first glance, we see no clue to the contents and can only surmise from what the name suggests. Until we look  closer and find a few lines that will guide us to further understanding. I'll look at them later, and drink it now.

Clear, dark burgundy color, with a roasted brown head on top, starts big and slims down slowly, leaving some lace.

Aroma: soft and pleasant, nice malty touches, caramel and toffee meets light roast coffee.

Taste: Lands tenderly, but assuredly on the palate, residing mellow in the mouth. Flavor finds itself just inside of richness. Medium body, just enough heft in the mouthfeel and texture to keep it interesting. Smooth, malty, and just a little bit sweet. Minor bitterness…rising deliciousness…I'm getting fonder and fonder of this one, and I'm going out on a limb to guess it's a schwarzbier, one of my favorite of the lager styles.

So, let's look at that side bar from the label: "Schell's Chimney Sweep is inspired by the rich, dark lagers of Upper Franconia. Black in color with a rich roast maltiness, firm hop bitterness, and a subtle underlying smokiness."

Hmmm. That smokiness is subtle, and underlying, but, yeah, that's there. And I wouldn't call the hop bitterness "firm", but it's holding it's ground, though it's not sticking out or showing off.

Tasty stuff, too. I could drink this, and then drink another. Good job, Jace Marti, and, please, keep them coming!