In 2022, Burleigh Brewing sent their Japan Black to the World Beer Championships, where it the judges awarded it 93 points out of a possible 100 and declared it Best Black Beer.
In 2024, Burleigh Brewing put Japan Black into big bottles so you can judge for yourself.
I’m no beer judge. Their notes from 2022 are sophisticated: “walnut colour, aromas of smoked chocolate soufflé, finely carbonated, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, medium-length black raisin bread and toasted nuts finish.” Mine are quite crude in comparison: “Looks like Coke. Smells like coffee. Tastes like cocoa.”
But I also noted that when I held my glass of Japan Black up to the light, a ruby colour revealed itself. Which means it’s not actually black. So how could it be the Best Black Beer?
Who’s the fool now, World Beer Championships judges?
Mick Wüst
Published November 22, 2024 2024-11-22 00:00:00
