4 Pines Beer: Black Box review

4 Pines: Black Box

A belated blog entry!

4 Pines: Black Box

I recently took the opportunity to try 4 Pines' Black Box of Dark Ales. This limited edition range was something I had to try. With that, I have provided my own opinion and brief review of each beer.

Schwarzbier 4.3%

Schwarzbier: Nice and smooth yet dry. Slightly over carbonated perhaps? This is slightly disappointing considering it's a limited edition range. Having said that, I'm probably being pedantic about it. Very light-bodied which is a good trait. Had all the hallmarks of roasted notes without the harshness with a touch of chocolate. A very drinkable dark lager at 4.3%. I would be happy to have another. 

I also had this recently at the tap takeover at the KB. This it was nice and smooth, but it also appeared to be slightly over carbonated? No major criticism, rather just an observation. Still, it went down well and I enjoyed it. Overall: 7/10

Coffee Porter 4.5%

Coffee Porter: Interesting to think this is slightly over carbonated again? 4Pines, what's happening? Nothing bad, but it needs to be addressed. This, to me, has the flavour of somewhat-very much fruity notes yet a subtle touch of raisin-like flavour? Is this an African coffee bean being used perhaps? I don't drink coffee but I am really enjoy this at 4.5%. The 'coffee/chocolate notes' are very subtle but noticeable. Nice work, in my opinion. 

The KB had this on Overall: 7.5/10

Russian Imperial Stout 8.5%

Russian Imperial Stout: Do I get a dark plum aroma? Kinda like a dank Port maybe? Very subtle and nice! Oh wow, the flavour is quite complex yet amazing. Yes, a very good example of a RIS (from my limited knowledge). It's a mix of various flavours; raisin, fruit(y), chocolate, roast and a touch of mid-late hops? I get the feeling that a malt or two which were used for the Schwarzbier was used here in this RIS? This is quite smooth indeed. I like it very much. At 8.5% this is a very well brewed beer. I think this is medium-bodied and has maybe a lot of a Dark Crystal or Special B malt behind it? Either way, I really like this one. Overall: 8.5/10

Black IPA 6.3%

Black IPA: The aroma makes me want to brew this beer right now! Subtle but quite awesome. For me, a little disappointed in this beer.....(but wait for it).....the more I sip it, the more I like it. A little too sweet, and I get a subtle (quite subtle) chocolate notes. Not a bad thing as such but i don't want that, personally....but still....like I said, not a bad thing. Very evenly balanced 'hop-wise' so this Black IPA gets good marks at 6.3%. This beer grows on me after each sip. I like that. In fact, I love this beer. Overall: 8.5/10

Overall impression? Without doubt my two favourites were the Russian Imperial Stout and the Black IPA. Both were great beers and I'd happy drink them again and again. 

You can check out the original 4 Pines website that details their range here:

Until next time.....

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