= Brewpub96 Hirter Morchl, Braueri Hirt (Austria). 5% ABV (10/08)
Dark reddish copper color with a frothy tan head. Aromas of chocolate pudding, delicate baking spices and roasted nuts follow through on a soft, satiny entry to a dryish medium body with accents of toffee, roasted root vegetable and cream. Finishes mildly with a cocoa-dusted nut and grain fade. Fantastic.
93 Primator Dark Lager, Pivovar Nachod (Czech Republic). 4.8% ABV (11/09)
Deep mahogany brown color. Lavish aromas of roasted nuts, honeyed dried peach and artisanal chocolate follow through on a round, frothy entry to a fruity-yet-dry, medium-to-full body with earthy hops and superb balance and crisp drinkability.
93 Hofbräu Dunkel, Hofbräuhaus München (Germany). 5.5% ABV (10/08)
Deep copper brown color. Caramelized grain and nut aromas follow through seamlessly on a silky entry to a dryish medium body with milk chocolate-covered citrus peel accents. Finishes with a long, nut bread dough and mossy stone fade. An elegant and beautifully poised dark lager that drinks effortlessly. Pair with sausages.
93 Dark Czech Lager, Bernard (Czech Republic). 5.1% ABV (10/07)
Deep brown-black teak color. Very even aromas of dark chocolate, roasted nuts and wet earth. A round, velvety entry leads to a rich, medium-to-full body of roasted espresso, cocoa and nut flavors. Finishes with a round, even fade and lingering nutty earthiness. Very nicely balanced, harmonious and elegant with a great soft mouthfeel.
92 Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel, Privatbrauerei Aying (Germany). 5% ABV (10/07)
Rich mahogany color. Baker’s chocolate, soy sauce and roasted nut aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a dryish medium-full body of rich chocolate, dark toasted raisin nut bread and honeyed lemon zest with evolving layers of spice, grain and wood notes. Finishes with a long, cocoa, nut and spice fade with delicate lemon custard and coffee notes. Delightfully flavorful and balanced.
91 Jubilate Special Reserve Dark Lager, Brauerei Pinkus Müller (Germany). 5.1% ABV (10/08)
Dark reddish copper color. Aromas of mocha and caramelized nuts follow through on a soft, supple entry to a creamy, dryish medium body with wet cereal and tangy orange and nectarine skin accents. Finishes with a smooth, gentle, chocolate-covered fruit and nut fade with grassy hops in support. A finely balanced and refreshing dark lager to pair with sausages and ribs.
90 Session Black Premium Dark Lager, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 5.4% ABV (11/09)
Deep copper brown color. Aromas of chocolate-covered peach and bonbon follow through on a soft, round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with tangy dried citrus, grainy raisin bread and lightly astringent, grassy, earthy hops on the crisp finish. A great session beer that will work great at the bar and grill table too.
90 Munich Dunkel Lager, Bastone Brewery (MI). 5.5% ABV (10/08) 
Dark reddish copper color. Milk chocolate and caramel-drizzled dried apricot and apple aromas have a fragrant mocha edge and follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with pepper, straw and dried grapefruit on the mellow finish. Nice balance of rich flavors and drinkability
90 Hermann’s Dark Lager, Vancouver Island Brewery (Canada). 5.5% ABV (11/09)
Aromas of baker’s chocolate, smoked jerky and crayon follow through on a soft, frothy entry to a dryish medium body with creamy milk chocolate mousse and molasses-drizzled nut notes. Finishes with a smooth, mild, light hop fade. A very tasty, easygoing dark lager.
90 Capital Dark Lager, Capital Brewery (WI). 5.4% ABV (11/09)
Deep copper brown color. Lightly yeasty bread dough, dried fruit and toffee aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with great balance of savory roasted vegetable and honey baked bean notes. Finishes with a long, crisp, citrusy and mossy hop accent. A delicious and highly drinkable food beer that will go fantastically with chili con carne.
