Enlightened black ale. 1554 Enlightened Black Ale redefines the phrase keeping time in a bottle. From an ancient, crumbling Belgian library book, our intrepid researchers found references to this obscure style dating back to the year 1554. Overcoming obsolete script and units of measurement, our brewers discovered an ale with a surprisingly bright taste and a dry, chocolaty finish - one evocative of dark brews enjoyed in Belgian taverns 500 years ago. New Belgium Brewing Company is wind powered and employee owned. Savor the flavor. Alc. 5.6% by vol.