Sierra Nevada Double DeBockEl
Got this on tap at Brickstore Pub. Pours a good copper color with a one finger off-white head. Head diminishes into an even layer of bubbles, and the lacing is pretty solid. Smells very hoppy. Floral and somewhat citrus aromas. There's a little bit of malt breadiness in there, but the hops are what really hit you. Tastes very good. Tastes much sweeter in the beginning, with the hops in the background, but as it warms it assumes more of a DIPA taste, but sweeter. I don't really understand how Ayinger Celebrator and Samichlaus Helles are both classified as Doppelbocks, but it helps explain why this one is. The alcohol taste is noticeable in the beginning and at the end, but in between it's hard to taste. Mouthfeel is good. Carbonation is good and it's got a good thickness. Could be just a little smoother though. This is a very drinkable beer. The 9.4% is hidden very nicely. Overall I liked this a lot. It got better as I figured out the flavors, and it's certainly worth a shot if you see it around.