New Belgium's 1554 Enlightened Black Ale

[Wings_Fan_In_KC]

This beer puts Guinness Black Lager to shame, although many beers can do that.

1554 has a fuller flavor, more chocolate and roasted malt notes than Black Lager. It is malty and semi-sweet but leaves a sort of fruity undertone aftertaste.

It's a medium body beer so you can drink a few of them without feeling like you're sloshing around.

It's a deep deep red color but you can still see through it if held up to a strong light source. Not as "black" as I would have thought but it is a fine beer.

[Kealia]

They do make some good beers, although this one doesn't sound like it's up my alley.

Last year I did like their Red October, or whatever the heck it was called.

[Beer-lord]

I've had this twice and I've been underwhelmed both times. In fact, New Belgium has disappointed me. I liked Ranger but it's just umph. The only one I really like is Rampant. The wife likes Sunshine. They just taste a bit cheap to me.

[swenocha]

Ahh... I remember the days, many years ago, when we got our initial wave of 1554 and Fat Tire bottles in stores for the first time here in TN. Up until then, we had only had Fat Tire when a friend who traveled west occasionally brought a case back. We've had New Belgium for so long at this point that I rarely pick them up any more. I remember liking 1554, but much like most of the non-LipsO beers, I rarely ever gravitate back to them. I guess that comes from the wide range of beers on the market now, and my desire to try every one...