Privatbrauerei Loncium Sweet Krampus Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 7% ABV | 25 IBU (2016 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #6, 330 ml, best before 18-Jul-2017, acquired 25-Sep-2016, reviewed 6-Dec-2016)
Appearance: clear brown with one finger of loose beige head diminishing rapidly to a persistent cap, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: roasty malt, dark dried fruit, vinous red berries, coffee, caramel, cinnamon, orange peel. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: medium body tending watery, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry slightly thin mildly warming finish. (3/5)
Nice. At day 6 of the Advent calendar, we finally get what I would consider to be both a seasonally-appropriate style, and a decent beer. The usual suspects disagree regarding the precise style (no, Untappd, it isn’t a Stout) but I consider this a reasonable example of a BSDA. It’s not without its flaws – I’d like to see better head retention and lacing, the body tends to fall off to watery a bit suddenly, and that seems to make the finish a bit thin and sharp – but it’s not bad at all. In particular, for a 7% beer, the ABV really doesn’t make any impression whatsoever, other than a mild warming in the finish. Plus, it’s named after a demon who beats misbehaving children, so what’s not to like? Solid. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
