Snow Blind

Doppelbocks are a strong, rich and very malty German lager. The most common versions are darker and have a deep malt character that's full of Maillard products typical of decoction mashes. Although typically malty-sweet, it comes from the rich character and low bitterness rather than caramel malts. This example does a nice job of hitting most of the notes, but unfortunately suffers from excessive sweetness. It pours a beautiful copper with some mahogany hues and great clarity, however, the off-white head is fast to fade. The glass opens up to rich malt flavors, full of melanoidins, toasty bread crusts and a light chocolate note, and follows with deep caramel, burnt sugar and prunes. The flavors are complex and layered, starting with similar notes of rich malty sweetness, toast and prunes, while adding in some molasses and brown bread. Despite the sweetness, it has a fairly dry finish enhanced by the light cocoa-like roast and a bit of warming alcohol. It would definitely pair well with a nice slice of German chocolate cake on a cold winter night.