Dark Horse Reserve Special Black Ale 6Pk

Dark Horse Reserve Special Black Ale 6Pk is a bold American black ale from Dark Horse Brewing Company in Marshall, Michigan, packaged as a six-pack at 7.5% ABV. As the oldest beer in the Dark Horse portfolio, this expression has earned an 88 score on BeerAdvocate across more than 1,284 ratings, establishing itself as a reliable benchmark in the strong black ale category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  IBU: 67  |  Origin: Marshall, Michigan, USA  |  Style: American Black Ale  |  Brewery: Dark Horse Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Dark Horse Brewing Company, based in Marshall, Michigan, has built a reputation for uncompromising craft beer — earning a ranking of 29th on RateBeer's 2013 list of Best Brewers in the World. Reserve Special Black Ale holds a unique place as the oldest recipe in their lineup, originally conceived during a bitterly cold night in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The beer blurs style boundaries intentionally: it drinks like a porter, finishes like a stout, and is classified as a strong black ale, landing at 7.5% ABV with 67 IBUs that provide firm but measured bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherries and bready malt rise first, followed by mild hop character. There is an underlying sweetness reminiscent of dark fruit and toasted grain.

Taste: The entry is silky smooth, with chocolate nibs and a slight coffee bitterness arriving immediately on the palate. Mid-palate shifts to heavy roasted malt balanced by a mild piney hop flavor, both contributing a layered bitterness. The overall mouthfeel is rich and full-bodied without becoming cloying.

Finish: The finish is a complex blend of roasted, smoky, and malty character that lingers well past the last sip. Residual chocolate and coffee tones slowly fade, leaving a dry, satisfying close.

How to Drink Reserve Special Black Ale

This black ale is best served at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, in a tulip glass or snifter to concentrate its dark malt aromatics. Pouring it slightly warmer than a typical lager allows the chocolate and coffee notes to fully develop.

• Black Velvet: Layered with dry sparkling cider, the roasted malt character creates a rich, effervescent contrast.
• Black & Tan: Floated over a lighter pale ale, Reserve Special Black Ale adds depth and smoky complexity to the classic layered pour.
• Beer Float: Paired with vanilla ice cream, the chocolate and coffee notes mirror a classic affogato experience.

Best For

• Cold-weather evening sessions when a robust, warming ale is called for
• Gifting to craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate style-bending dark ales
• Pairing dinners built around grilled or smoked meats
• Introducing porter and stout fans to the American black ale category

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Reserve Special Black Ale taste like? Reserve Special Black Ale delivers a silky, full-bodied profile dominated by chocolate, roasted malt, and subtle coffee, balanced by piney hop bitterness and a smoky, lingering finish.

How does Reserve Special Black Ale compare to a traditional stout? While stouts typically emphasize roasted barley and dry bitterness, Reserve Special Black Ale bridges the gap between porter and stout — carrying a smoother, maltier body with slightly more hop presence at 67 IBUs than many classic dry stouts.

Is Reserve Special Black Ale good for sipping neat? Yes, its 7.5% ABV and layered malt complexity make it well-suited for slow, contemplative drinking, especially when served at cellar temperature in a proper glass.

Where is Reserve Special Black Ale made? Reserve Special Black Ale is brewed by Dark Horse Brewing Company in Marshall, Michigan, a small-town brewery that gained national recognition and was ranked among the world's best brewers by RateBeer.

What foods pair well with Reserve Special Black Ale? Smoked brisket complements the beer's roasted and smoky finish. Dark chocolate desserts mirror its cocoa character. Aged cheddar provides a sharp counterpoint to the malt sweetness. Braised short ribs echo the rich, heavy body. Grilled portobello mushrooms match the earthy, roasted notes.

What sizes does Reserve Special Black Ale come in? Reserve Special Black Ale is commonly available in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles.

Is Reserve Special Black Ale worth the price? Reserve Special Black Ale positions as a mid-range craft offering that delivers depth and complexity competitive with more expensive specialty stouts and porters, representing strong value within the American black ale category.

Why Reserve Special Black Ale?

As the oldest recipe in Dark Horse Brewing Company's portfolio, Reserve Special Black Ale carries genuine heritage in a market crowded with trend-chasing releases. Its deliberate position between porter and stout gives it a distinctive identity — heavy enough for dark-beer devotees, smooth enough to pull in those who typically lean lighter. An 88 BeerAdvocate score across more than 1,200 reviews confirms consistent quality rather than fleeting hype. For drinkers who want a dark ale with real backbone and no gimmicks, this remains one of Michigan's most dependable pours.