There are not many things fun about getting pneumonia but gifties left at the door are among them. This was delivered last week as a gifting on from someone who brought it from Alberta. It was a special release from last spring but at 7.3% it should still be a fairly safe bet.
Caramel coloured with a thin white foam and rim, it gives off a nutty sweet aroma. There is an acidic twing to the smell that is either a bit of concerning age or welcome vinousness. I never know what is right, especially with bock. I know that you should be getting a cherry note in doppelbocks - or at least I look for one - but Horst tells me at page 558 that it should be lighter than that. In the mouth, there are very nice nutty brown bread malts, swell sherry notes, maybe a little earthy apple, more twiggy than steely hops and a nod to smoke. Sweet and rich but not overly heavy. It's a fine drink but not sure how much if any of that tang was caused by the extra six months. On the other hand, who cares?
Great respect from the BAers.