Teej
06-16-2006, 11:10 PM
An "eisbock" modified Autumnal Fire.
Disclaimer: I'm not a BJCP judge or a professional taster. Don't hold me accountable if I miss the boat on this. :D
Poured at approximately 52 degrees.
A nice, clear, reddish brown pour with an off-white head that has lasted much of the sample. I notice some lacing and legs, and the head has survived well despite my improperly washed glass (had to settle for ordinary glassware and I was too lasy to handwash it).
Aroma: Malt and lots of it. Nutty overtones. I personally don't detect any strong hop aromas, but I'm getting an after-scent of...tettnang? Very subtle (at least to me), whatever it is.
Taste: Malty. Extremely malty. If you've had an Autumnal Fire, you can guess what concentrating it does. Some hints of fruit (dates?). Nice melanoidin character, especially on the finish. Low to very low bitterness. Like the aroma, there is the faintest hint of noble hops in the taste. I can't place it, but put a gun to my head and I'll call it hallertau, but even at this temperature this is a showcase for malt, not hops.
I notice no alcohol hotness (although I was sipping some tequila earlier...) Tastes like a polar opposite to DFH 90 minute. I like them both.
Conclusion: A fairly strong/heavy beer for the hot weather we're having. I think I'd prefer this in wintertime, although it sure doesn't taste bad now. While I'm more of a hophead than a malt lover, I have no problems enjoying a dopplebock or autumnal fire....or, for that matter, this beer. Very tasty.
As always, I'll be interested to see what the judges say and how my impression matches up.
Disclaimer: I'm not a BJCP judge or a professional taster. Don't hold me accountable if I miss the boat on this. :D
Poured at approximately 52 degrees.
A nice, clear, reddish brown pour with an off-white head that has lasted much of the sample. I notice some lacing and legs, and the head has survived well despite my improperly washed glass (had to settle for ordinary glassware and I was too lasy to handwash it).
Aroma: Malt and lots of it. Nutty overtones. I personally don't detect any strong hop aromas, but I'm getting an after-scent of...tettnang? Very subtle (at least to me), whatever it is.
Taste: Malty. Extremely malty. If you've had an Autumnal Fire, you can guess what concentrating it does. Some hints of fruit (dates?). Nice melanoidin character, especially on the finish. Low to very low bitterness. Like the aroma, there is the faintest hint of noble hops in the taste. I can't place it, but put a gun to my head and I'll call it hallertau, but even at this temperature this is a showcase for malt, not hops.
I notice no alcohol hotness (although I was sipping some tequila earlier...) Tastes like a polar opposite to DFH 90 minute. I like them both.
Conclusion: A fairly strong/heavy beer for the hot weather we're having. I think I'd prefer this in wintertime, although it sure doesn't taste bad now. While I'm more of a hophead than a malt lover, I have no problems enjoying a dopplebock or autumnal fire....or, for that matter, this beer. Very tasty.
As always, I'll be interested to see what the judges say and how my impression matches up.