Doppelbock
I picked up this beer not knowing what it was. I knew that I loved their Spring Bock, so one good Bock deserves another, eh? Whoa. When I poured this guy, I saw the word 'rauch' on the side of the bottle. Indeed, as I licked the top of the now-empty bottle, I even tasted a little bit of that bacon-bits taste I associate with rauchbier. I wasn't too worried about it, after all, St. Victorious is supposed to have a little bit of rauchmalz in it, and that is a fantastic beer, right? Then I read the bottle and realized I was in for a world of something (hurt? I don't really like Rauchbiers, after all). But let's break this baby down: Appearance: It pours a beautiful ruby-red with a wonderful off-white head that quickly collapsed into small islands atop the beer -- all of them warring for my attention. Smell: The smell is of candied ham and sweet malts. A wonderful blend, a wonderful sensation. Taste: Sure, it tastes like pork. But, wow, what an experience! Perhaps I like this beer because lately I've been something of a vegetarian? But, seriously, the full-on rich dopplebock sweetness pairs wonderfully with the smokey BBQ taste of the rauch. I think the alcohol helps cut the meaty-ness, which is great. Mouthfeel: Not too thick, not too thin -- this beer manages to hover between having a really HUGE mouthfeel that can be truly astounding in some Doppelbocks and the pleasant crispness that I associate with most German/German-inspired beers. Usually when a beer treads this middle ground, it falls flat on its face, but this bad-boy manages to really capitalize on the best of both worlds. Drinkability: Well, it's a rauchbier and I am enjoying it! That should say something! I'm enjoying this beer with some baked spiced brie and it is wonderful! The basil, rosemary, oregano, and hot pepper all compliment the rich taste this beer has to offer. Totally unexpected and totally delicious. So, here is my question: why is it that Colorado, of all places, manages to grab onto continental European brewing traditions and place an unusual American twist on them in the same way that the rest of the country is doing it with British brews? You'd think that Penn. or Wisconsin would have that honour . . .