Our Impression: In 2019 we took an inspirational and educational visit through Germany and Austria.  One of our stopping places was Weyermann Specialty Malts in Bamberg, Germany.  When talking to Axel from Weyermann, he described Schwarzbier as a style in which, “if you close your eyes and drink the beer, you will not know it is a dark beer.”  He also explained that many breweries use Sinamar, a dark liquid derived from grain, to obtain the dark color in this beer style.  However, he advised that this is not the traditional way nor the best way to brew it.  We think back on this approach when we brew Black Vinyl.  There is a very particular balance to this beer, and we perhaps err a bit on the roasted side to better fit our demographic. Still, we are respectfully within the style guidelines... apart from the addition of the Madagascar Vanilla Beans.  While adjuncts like Vanilla are strictly prohibited by the German Purity Law, we absolutely love the distinct earthy-sweet character it contributes.  This truly is one of our favorites! We hope to continue on with Black Vinyl as a flagship for years to come.