Certain breweries appropriate copious amounts of respect for various reasons.  I am speaking subjectively, in this case.  At times it is the history behind the brewery (spearheading the craft brewery movement), the beer itself, the leadership involved, or in the case of Samuel Adams it is a medley of all the above, and perhaps a few other qualities I did not think of.  In every instance, I am always excited to taste a new brew from this bastion of beer creativity.  Rarely am I let down.

So I was excited when I read the news that Sam Adams was soon to be releasing an imperial style series consisting of Imperial White, Imperial Stout, and Double Bock.  My anticipation was eased when I came across the Double Bock at a small beer store here in town.  (this is no small feet…the beer selection is these parts is less than desirable!)  Here is what I thought of the beer…

I poured this brew into a wide goblet.  The deep, yet clear, walnut colored beer eased its way into my glass.  The viscosity of beer gave away the thick malty quality; a half a pound of malts per bottle!  A beautiful almond head lazily hung around the surface of the beer, being continuously fed by the endless stream of surprisingly abundant (per style) carbonation that also expelled pleasant aromas.

The fragrant aroma of sweet roasted malts greet the nose, but do not overwhelm it.  Peppered in is the not so subtle smell of alcohol.  The 9.5% ABV is not hidden in this beer.  Hints of caramel, coffee, candy, honey, and grapes mingle with the aforementioned characteristics.

I served the beer at about fifty degrees:  a good call on my part, as it accommodated the natural velvety texture and opened up the flavors in the beer.  After the slow pour, I expected to feel a thick syrupy liquid.  On the contrary, the carbonation allowed the beer to dance across my tongue.  One might expect to be overwhelmed with sticky sugary sweet malts, but such is not the case.  While the hop presence is not prominent, it equalizes the sugars.  Thus the toasted flavor of the malt hits the tongue with ease.  A pleasant graham cracker flavor with fruity grape, fig, and very subtle pomeganete nuances are quickly drowned out by a more than noticeable alcohol flavor.  The precise characteristic is vodka, which goes hand an hand with the malted barley sweetness and also aids in equalization.  The tongue tingles and relaxes as the alcohol flavor sets in.

The finish smooth.  Not to sweet, not too bitter.  It is here that one can notices the fresh hop flavor, but only slightly.

This is a fantastic beer, and ranks high on my not yet published “recommended” list.  It is a sipping beer.  Do not buy it to wash down your meat and potatoes…it IS your meat and potatoes.

Nate’s Rating:

Overall Satisfaction:  

Among other Bock Beers: