Looking for a way to spend the last day on Earth, I picked up a bottle of 2012 Black Ale from Stevens Point Brewery. I chose the bottle because it actually takes its name from the Mayan calendar and possibility that December 21, 2012 is the day that the world will end. Steven Point Brewery is located in Wisconsin and has been brewing beer since before the American Civil War (est. 1855). This places Stevens Point as the 5th oldest continuously operating brewer in the United States. Their current line consists of 8 year-round brews and 4 seasonal under Stevens Point Brewery, 5 beers brewed under Whole Hog Limited, 5 beers brewed under James Page Brewing and 5 premium sodas. The 2012 Black Ale has won several awards taking the silver medal at the World Beer Cup (in the German-Style Schwarzbier Category), at the North American Brewers Associates and at the World Beer Championships.

Here is what Stevens Point has to say about the 2012 Black Ale:

Thousands of years ago the ancient Mayans of Central America developed a “Long-Count” round calendar that ends ominously on December 21, 2012. Some predict this symbolizes the end of time as we know it. Inspired by this mystery, we offer Point 2012 Black Ale to help contemplate this ‘end of time’ or perhaps a ‘new beginning.’ Dark rich roasty and complex, Point 2012 Black Ale is hand-crafted with Pale, Munich, and Roasted Malts with Cluster, Saaz, and Cascade hops for the robust flavor and finish. Enjoy — while there’s still time.

I found this beer to be…

Appearance: Black with ruby tinges with a light tan foam that quickly dissipates.

Black with ruby tinges with a light tan foam that quickly dissipates. Aroma: Roasted malt, a little coffee, a little dark, dark chocolate and a little dried fruit.

Roasted malt, a little coffee, a little dark, dark chocolate and a little dried fruit. Taste: Lightly carbonated with a sweetness followed by a big hit of the roasted malt and a mild coffee flavor followed by a smooth, dry finish.

Lightly carbonated with a sweetness followed by a big hit of the roasted malt and a mild coffee flavor followed by a smooth, dry finish. ABV: 5.2%

I enjoyed this beer. Of course, I am partial to the style so I might be a little biased. This one was on the lighter, thinner side. The 2012 is clearly a black ale and not a stout but in a good way. This was good enough that my better half said I was actually drinking a good beer. High praise indeed!