Celebration Inverno 2006
Cervejaria Baden Baden

Limited release of 25,000 bottles and I had Bottle #18,699, Lot 064C. The validity date was the 28th of February 2007 so I am reviewing it. I don’t think it is near going bad, as the high 8.2% alcohol content should give it a longer shelf life.

This is the first in their new line of special edition beers to celebrate seasons, holidays and special events. A mixture of malted barley, brown sugar and malt extract is used to obtain the claims of this double bock that it’s double the body, aroma and flavor.

Pours a nice two fingered creamy tan head with no retention, producing minor lacing. Dark brown with amber edges, the beer has a nice ruby hue when held to light. Huge amount of carbonation upon pouring, this quickly mellows to an appropriate and suitable level.

The nose starts with a strong waft of alcohol, then resiny dried dark fruits and a pleasant whole grain bread aroma. A malty sweet backbone when settles, possesses a real dopplebock nose, very complex with some rich roasty elements in the background. A waft of alcohol fills my nose with each sip. I can detect some steely Carmel malt aroma as well.

Taste is overall very good and almost as complex as the nose. Alcohol floods the palate then nice malt backing surrounds the tongue. Very balanced with a hop bitterness cutting and accenting the maltiness. The body of the taste is very malty and of whole grain bread. Could finish more rich and full, but a great dopplebock, a great deal and a must try if you can get your hands on it.

The mouthfeel is nice and suiting, a little chewy, though it gets a little watery in the finish.

Drinkabilty is moderate as the high amount of alcohol; coupled with Baden Baden’s large 600ml standard bottle size, make it a beer to appreciate. I think this is a great beer to split with a companion or to have with a meal both will of set the size and/or alcohol content.

If I can get another I will cellar it and see what happens to the flavors.