Village Blacksmith - 20 Litre Keg

Village Blacksmith is the flagship "Artisan Black Ale" from Calgary’s Village Brewing. In keeping with the brewery’s mission to celebrate the community’s "hidden gems", the craftspeople and makers, the Blacksmith represents the strength and grit of the traditional smithy. It is designed to be a bridge between a traditional English Dark Ale and a Stout, offering a rich, comforting profile that is substantial enough for a cold winter day but balanced enough to be enjoyed year-round.

Beer Description

This Black Ale pours a deep, dark mahogany that appears nearly opaque in the glass, topped with a thick, creamy tan head.

Aroma: It features a warm and inviting nose led by notes of toasted nuts, dark chocolate, and roasted malt. There is an underlying hint of caramel sweetness and a very faint earthy hop presence.

Palate: The flavor is medium-bodied and smooth. It leads with a rich, bready maltiness and flavors of dark crusty bread, followed by a gentle roasted bitterness reminiscent of cold-brew coffee. It avoids the heavy, syrupy mouthfeel of larger stouts, maintaining a clean and drinkable finish.

Profile: It has an ABV of 5.4% and a moderate bitterness of 28 IBU, making it a flavorful, sessionable dark ale with a highly approachable character.

Technical Notes: Brewed with a blend of four different malts, including chocolate and roasted malts, to achieve its signature color and depth. It uses North American hops for balance, ensuring the roasted qualities are complemented rather than overshadowed by bitterness.