Tree Brewing Co. Captivator Doppelbock at 8% ABV (C$6.99 at South Trail Calgary Co-Op, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before)
Appearance: clear amber, short light tan head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: molasses, dark fruit, caramel/toffee, mild nutty, light chocolate. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, mild bitter, mild tart. (7/10) Medium body, lively to moderate carbonation, drying lightly astringent warming finish. (3/5)
A cool enough October day to justify something a little darker – there was, after all, frost on the windshield for hockey practice at six this morning! Not a bad version of the style, although both the head and the body are somewhat less than indicated in the guidelines. Pretty similar to Celebrator, actually, if slightly lighter – so I’m guessing the name similarity isn’t accidental… However, it manages to pull off a higher ABV despite the lighter flavour, so kudos for that. It doesn’t really improve by warming, though, so unless warm watery molasses is your thing, don’t take too much time with this one. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
