Heineken Dark

Heineken Dark is a discontinued dark lager produced by Heineken Nederland. It was first introduced in 1992 as Heineken Special Dark — an American market variant of Heineken's dark beer range — before being renamed Heineken Dark in 1996. In the United States it was also marketed as Heineken Dark Lager. The beer was brewed at 5.1% ABV with a deep red-brown colour and a creamy tan head. Reviewers described it as having a sweet malt aroma with caramel and chocolate notes, hints of nuts, coffee and a smooth, slightly sweet finish — lighter in body than the colour suggested. It was marketed in the US with the memorable line 'the dark beer that isn't', emphasising its unexpectedly light and drinkable character despite its dark appearance. Heineken Dark was discontinued in 2010. It should be distinguished from Heineken Oud Bruin — the much older and more traditional Dutch dark beer that has been brewed since the 19th century — and from regional dark variants marketed under the Heineken name in specific export markets.