Rolling Meadows says:
“A contradiction of sorts, our black lager combines the flavor intensity of a porter with the crisp finish of a classic lager. Expect coffee notes, wisps of smoke and a deep midnight hue.”
Rolling Meadows Lincoln’s Logger
Schwarzbier, 6.5% ABV
Kudos, right off the bat, to head brewer Chris Trudeau on this seasonal – now in its second year. Kudos for the creative label, playing off both Abraham Lincoln and famed children’s toys Lincoln Logs, and for concocting a beer that has aromas, flavors and an appearance that don’t seem to fit together – but also do.
The Lincoln’s Logger pours midnight black in color and gives off a nose of lightly roasted coffee beans and raisins. Take a sip, however, and you’re greeted with a beer that is light and crisp – crisper than its appearance would dictate – that carries light notes of coffee and cocoa with a splash of orange citrus in the finish. The tail of this beer gives it a certain brightness that seems out-of-place for its style and appearance – making for a unique take on a schwarzbier.
By no means is this a “session beer,” at 6.5% ABV, but it is remarkably easy to drink and, with those light citrus notes, would be a great bridge beer from a heavy winter seasonal into something a bit more spring-like.
Rolling Meadows is starting to sprinkle their beers around the city, finding their way onto store shelves at the Whole Foods in Lincoln Park and Fox & Obel in Streeterville and on tap at The Publican. We suggest finding your way to their beers pronto, because they’re churning out some great stuff South of 80.