Shorts Sustenance Black Beer

4.2/5

AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20

12 ounce bottle into pint glass, no bottle date(probably from spring 2011). Pours almost opaque dark brown color with a nice 2 finger dense khaki head with awesome retention that reduces to a thick cap. Some nice soapy lacing on the glass as well. Aromas of roasted malt, chocolate, molasses, caramel, herbal hops, and some smoke. Nice and well balanced aromas with nice strength. Taste of chocolate, caramel, roasted malt, light coffee, herbal spiciness, and a bit of smoke. Fair amount of bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of chocolate, caramel, roasted malt, and herbal hops on the finish for a bit. Medium carbonation and body; with a fairly creamy and smooth mouthfeel. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming on the finish. Very easy to drink at 6%. Great balance of flavor and bitterness. Overall this is a damn nice lager offering from Short’s, and it has held up very well since last spring. Very easy to drink and well balanced!

Definitely one of the better Short's offerings I have had. Great balance and drinkability; with great flavor.