BLACK MAGIC
Lovers of a darker brew will warm to this flavoursome German-style ale
IT’S that time of the year when oompah music fills the air along with the smell of bratwurst and sauerkraut and people often take to their feet to do strange little dances mimicking chickens – yes folks, it’s October.
While some people think October is all about footy grand finals and motor racing, beer drinkers’ thoughts tend to be filled with dreams of Oktoberfest.
What better way to help the fantasy along then to enjoy a brew inspired by Germany – Monteith’s Doppelbock Winter Ale.
Forget the fact that the mercury is well above the winter average, this Kiwi brew can be enjoyed at any time.
Based on German dark beers, doppelbock has a dark chocolate colour with a coffee cream tight head and a nose that gives up a rich chocolate malt aroma.
The nose is an indication of what’s to come, with the brew delivering plenty of flavour and body that lingers in the mouth.
The smooth roasted malt blend produces a chocolate/ slight caramel flavour, leaving just enough bitterness to have you ready for more.
The use of the malts produces a strong beer at 6 per cent, yet it isn’t so strong as to make you wonder what you are doing.
Lovers of dark brews will find it is easy to drink – perhaps too easy, it tends to draw you back.
It gives you an inner glow, but it is a little heavy in nature, so some may find it very filling.
You may even find the characteristics of the beer change slightly as it warms a little ... if you can leave it that long.
Doppelbock is a limited release, but there is some still about in selected bottle shops.
For those who like on “old beer” this may be a bit too much, not being as gassy, but for those wanting something of substance, I’d dabble in a doppelbock.