New Belgium 1554 6Pk

New Belgium 1554 6Pk is a dark ale brewed with European lager yeast at ale temperatures, available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles at 6% ABV. This historically inspired brew earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival in the Historical Beer category, affirming its standing as one of the most accomplished dark ales in American craft brewing.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6%  |  Origin: Colorado, USA  |  Style: Dark Ale (Historical)  |  Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

New Belgium Brewing Company, founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, developed 1554 as a modern resurrection of a lost Flemish beer style known as zwertbeer — Flemish for "black." The brewing inspiration traces directly to a book published in 1554, which documented the height of popularity for these dark, gruit-bittered ales. The grain bill combines Pale, Carapils, Black, Munich, and Chocolate malts, fermented with a European lager yeast strain at warmer ale temperatures to produce a hybrid character that bridges lager crispness with ale complexity. A dash of licorice root rounds out the recipe, nodding to the historical use of botanicals in pre-hop brewing traditions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bready dark malts lead the nose, followed by milk chocolate and dried dark fruits. Subtle woody undertones and a trace of vanilla emerge as the beer warms.

Taste: The entry is smooth and surprisingly bright for its deep color, with a full, malty body that coats the palate. Mid-palate flavors develop into layered chocolate, nuttiness, and sweet caramel, building toward a satisfying fullness without heaviness.

Finish: Dry and distinctly chocolaty, the finish avoids the cloying sweetness common in many dark ales. A lingering roast character and faint licorice note keep the palate engaged through the last sip.

How to Drink 1554

1554 is best served at 45–50°F in a tulip glass or English pint to let the malt aromatics open fully. Pouring it slightly warmer than a typical lager reveals its full complexity. For cocktail-curious drinkers, it works well in a Black Velvet (paired with sparkling wine for a roasty, effervescent contrast), a Beer Float (poured over vanilla ice cream where the chocolate malts echo a classic malt shop), or a Michelada Negra (its dry finish and malt depth hold up against lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice).

Best For

• Introducing dark beer to drinkers who find stouts too heavy
• Pairing with a charcuterie board at a dinner gathering
• Fall and winter seasonal drinking sessions
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates historical brewing styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1554 taste like? 1554 delivers a smooth, full malt profile dominated by chocolate, nuttiness, and sweet caramel, finishing dry with a roasted chocolate character rather than bitterness.

How does 1554 compare to Shiner Black? Shiner Black is a straightforward dark lager with a lighter body and more subdued malt character, while 1554 uses lager yeast fermented at ale temperatures to achieve greater complexity, a fuller mouthfeel, and more pronounced chocolate and dark fruit notes.

Is 1554 good for beginners? Yes — despite its dark appearance, 1554 is surprisingly approachable with a bright, smooth flavor profile and no aggressive roast bitterness, making it an excellent gateway into dark ales.

Where is 1554 made? 1554 is brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, one of the largest craft breweries in the United States.

What foods pair well with 1554? Smoked Gouda or aged cheddar complement the chocolate malt backbone. Braised short ribs mirror the beer's rich depth. Mole-sauced dishes echo its subtle licorice and dark spice. Dark chocolate desserts amplify the roast character. Roasted mushroom dishes align with the nutty, earthy undertones.

What sizes does 1554 come in? 1554 is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, and may also be found on draft at select locations.

Is 1554 worth the price? 1554 positions as a well-priced craft offering that punches above its weight — a 2025 GABF Gold Medal winner with historical pedigree and genuine complexity, it represents strong value within the specialty dark ale segment.

Why 1554?

Few American craft beers can claim a direct lineage to a 16th-century Flemish brewing tradition, and fewer still have earned a Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal validating that historical authenticity. The unconventional technique of fermenting lager yeast at ale temperatures gives 1554 a character that sits in its own lane — neither a typical dark ale nor a conventional schwarzbier. Its five-malt grain bill and addition of licorice root create a layered drinking experience that rewards attention without demanding it. In a market crowded with IPAs and pastry stouts, 1554 stands apart as a thoughtful, historically grounded dark ale with legitimate competitive credentials.