United Nations of Beer

Black Cat lager

by Darrell Billesburger
(Beer Delegate, SK, Canada)

Black Cat lager
Paddock Wood Brewing Co.

So after a long absence, I’m back. The oilfield called my name and I had to answer it. So for the past few months I've been back and forth from my home in Saskatchewan to the wonderful world of oil in northern Alberta.

I felt like I was neglecting my duties to the UNOB and to you, the loyal readers. So here I am again!

Black Cat lager, brewed by the Paddock Wood Brewing company in Saskatoon, is a lacklustre attempt at a darker beer. Yes, I do realise that this is the second offering that I have reviewed by this company. But as I'm writing this just as I got home, it was the only thing I had in the fridge to drink after a long drive. And it IS Halloween after all!

The label reads "A German-style black lager with a crisp, dry finish." Well in my professional opinion, I beg to differ. While having very little aftertaste, it seems to have no real strength of flavour at all.

I want to compare it to a watered-down Guinness: it has about the same caramel taste with a less distinctive flavour.

Now I don't wanna completely bash this local company, but it seems like something is missing. It seems I would be as well off drinking a glass of cold water with a bit of a beer flavour added.

With all that being said, if you are looking for beer that has little, if any, distinct flavour, try Black Cat. I can’t guarantee that you will enjoy it, but on the other hand, mine is just one opinion.