Xingu Black Beer

Xingu Black Beer

CKBR S.A. Av. Pres. Humberto de A. Castelo Branco, Jacarel, SP – Brazil

Information: (Site) “Pronounced “shin-goo”. Xingu Black Beer is named after the Xingu River, in the Amazon Rainforest. Inspired on old recipes of Indian beer, Xingu Black Beer is a two-time winner of Beverage Testing Institute’s Gold Medal as the best dark lager in the world. This exceptional beer is a great success in Brazil and in the USA, and consumers are now having a chance do drink it in Australia and England. Xingu Black Beer has a following that ranges from beer critics to fans and consumers alike. Its secret lies in being a beer with a distinguished and delicious taste while at the same time being very easy to drink. From its creation, Xingu Black Beer has been associated with several initiatives for the protection of the Amazon Rainforest, and it is now proud to be supporting the Y Ikatu Xingu organization.”

Pronounced “shin-goo”.

Xingu Black Beer is named after the Xingu River, in the Amazon Rainforest.

Inspired on old recipes of Indian beer, Xingu Black Beer is a two-time winner of Beverage Testing Institute’s Gold Medal as the best dark lager in the world.

This exceptional beer is a great success in Brazil and in the USA, and consumers are now having a chance do drink it in Australia and England.

Xingu Black Beer has a following that ranges from beer critics to fans and consumers alike. Its secret lies in being a beer with a distinguished and delicious taste while at the same time being very easy to drink.

From its creation, Xingu Black Beer has been associated with several initiatives for the protection of the Amazon Rainforest, and it is now proud to be supporting the Y Ikatu Xingu organization.

You know, sometimes you just want someone to tell you which beer to drink. Sometimes you just feel a little overwhelmed at the massive selection set out before you. Sometimes -though not often- you feel like, “I’ve seen all of these before and though I’ve tried maybe half, I just don’t know which to pick today!” Well, when you’ve got friends behind the counter who know what you do, there’s nothing better than walking in, and in a few minutes (as opposed to a half-hour) walking out with a selection practically handed to you. Yeah, sometimes that’s the way to go.

This is the first Brazilian brew I’ve had in a good long while, and I have to say we’re off to a good start with its jet-black color, wispy head, and rich, malty aroma. It fits very nicely in the grouping of my favorite beers, and its title says exactly what it is. After a good swirl you are greeted with a bit of sweetness, a slight anise aroma, and even a hint of licorice and vanilla. It smells very nice.

The flavor is a very tasty mix of heavy malts, slightly syrupy mouth-feel, and an lilting undertone of bitter hops. It has a definite note of chocolate and even a flirting throat of blueberry. It is definitely a complex and delicious brew with a lot to offer everyone from Stout lovers to Lambic lovers (though it isn’t by any stretch, it has a fruitiness that reminds me of them). For a dark, Schwarzbier-style brew it is surprisingly crisp and clean, albeit with a tangy, sweet flavor over all. If you’re not familiar with just what a Schwarxbier is, check this out: (From Wikipedia) “Schwarzbier, or “black beer,” is a German dark lager beer. It has an opaque, black color and a full, chocolatey or coffee flavor. Although they share some similar flavors they are milder tasting and less bitter than British Stouts or Porters.” It’s a fine sipping beer and would go really well with barbecued meat. Very, very nice.

Rating: * * * *
Dark beers never seem to disappoint regardless of where they’re from or what style they are, and this is no exception.