Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg Samichlaus Bier Doppelbock at 14% ABV ($6.74 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 330ml, best before 1-Mar-2018)
Pours clear deep amber with one finger of loose light tan head diminishing rapidly to nothing, no lacing. (3/5) Nose is malt vinegar, dark fruits and caramel malt. (6/10) Taste is strongly sweet boozy malt, slight bitter. (6/10) Heavy, syrupy body, moderate to low sustained carbonation, sharply alcoholic finish. (3/5)
No real surprises here – this was, after all, once the strongest beer in the world. Strongly sweet, heavily syrupy, and, shall we say, lacking in a certain subtlety. I was expecting aggressive, but this verges on harsh. Really more like a barleywine than a dopple. Not without its charms, but I wouldn’t want to try to tackle more than one at a go… or in a week… or a lifetime…? (10/20)
My 124th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers, 117th by the 2013 Edition, and 128th overall.
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
