Monday 10th of November 2014 11:02:33 PM

link
A black diamond! A rare specimen --- just like certain beers for us brew lovers.

And this Black Diamond, in Concord California qualifies as a special place with special tastes.

A long weekend with friends playing music brought Persimmon and I here at the invite of one of those music "brothers" and when he asked, I almost passed thinking I did not want to waste a moment without the music...BUT...being the Beer God that I am, I could not say no and of course, when I tasted some of these beers, the music I was playing on the outside found its way inside as well.

A small tasting room hidden in an industrial park with no beer garden but brews with names like Rampage and The Twelve and poured by a guy named Rowdy?

What's not to like?

At 9%, the double IPA is a monster and, for those of you read these blogs, you know that is quite the recommendation since IPA's and I do not get along but this....? It belongs on a top 5 list for IPA fans, right up there with Pliny the Elder and Racer 5.

The biggest and bestest brew though was a toss-up between the Porter XV and The Twelve, a bourbon barrel aged quad. Both seasonals with incredible tastes and way too layers to try and describe in these few white spaces.

But if you're in the area between now and Spring, take an hour or so and delve into the depths of this beer "mine" to find your own black diamond or two.

Friday 18th of December 2009 12:03:10 PM

link

This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

Very nice upscale taproom, the staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. Andrew (bartender) was quite the trove of beer info and is very well traveled and experienced in the world of beer.

They have some very nice brews on tap: FreeStyle Belgian Blonde was very easy drinking with a nice Belgian aspect that made it really interesting and complex. The Steep Trail Amber was a bit hoppy for my taste in this style but was very well made. The Pale Ale was really nice, I could drink this one anytime. The Saison was one of the best I've ever tasted, and the best one I've had that has not come out of Belgium. The Stout was pleasant but I think would be great if they put it on Nitro. The IPA was my favorite, it was spectacular and I would put it in my top 3 along with Pliny and Racer 5.
Andrew said they have some new stuff in wood barrels that will be coming soon so I can't wait to taste those! This place is in an obscure location but it's a real gem - and the beers are top notch.

Thursday 24th of July 2008 11:43:45 PM

link
Black Diamond has a nice, upscale tasting room with bar seating and 2 TVs. When I visited, all six taps were operating. The selection ranged from a Belgium Blonde to an Amber plus a spicy Saison Ale as the seasonal. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the brews and DD was impressed when they offered her a St Pauli N.A. We didn’t inquire about brewery tours and weren’t offered one. There is a good size parking lot out front.