All About Beer Magazine

Beer Talk

Black Wattle Superior Wattle Seed Ale

Available: NY, NV, FL, CA

• Roger Protz

  You’re always learning: wattle is not the timber used in medieval English house building but an Australian flowering shrub, used to flavor the beer. It is 5.8% ABV, with a rich copper-red color and a fluffy, creamy head. The beer has a nutty and biscuity aroma with a pronounced herbal note from the seeds and powerful hop resins. Chewy malt, tart hops and spices fill the mouth while the long, bittersweet finish has big hop notes that balance herbs and malt, with a delicate chocolate note.

• Fred Eckhardt

  This is a slow talking head — cool — dark amber color with mellow aromatics, hints of faint tartness and good balance, but only faint revelations regarding its wattle seed secrets. Perhaps it is the hints of faint tartness that broadcast the wattle seeds presence. Overall, the character is quite pleasing and altogether well managed. Quite enjoyable as the rich treat that it actually represents.

• John Hansell

  I have no idea what a wattle seed is, but it sure works well in this beer. Black Wattle is quite complex for a lighter-style ale. A foundation of caramel, molasses and cocoa powder is complemented by subtler notes of fig, roasted nuts and chocolate-covered espresso bean. An extremely flavorful, drinkable beer with a silky smooth texture.