Karminator
Thirsty Dog Brewing Company

 

This has a nice dark ruby color with a weak head that fades completely. The aroma is fruity, almost like prunes (BBB63 said it was the doppelbock plum, but Jsquire and I said it was almost like raspberries). It tastes old, but it was on tap at the brewpub and had low carbonation.

Served as a sample at Thirsty Dog in Akron. The color was a dark amber, with some head. The smell was dark sweet malt. The taste was like cough syrup, very medicine like with a present alcohol. Mouthfeel was average. As for drinkability, wouldn't really have another.

Just not a good beer. I'd grown accustomed to the taste of cough syrup during my spring break week (start of allergy season...not fun), and I thought'd I'd had my fill of it until I had this beer. Just not good, and not one I'd have again unless they dramatically improved.

**UPDATE 04/18/2004: After trying a growler of this beer again this year the style is more discernable (and I know more about beers). This is a high-ABV Doppelbock that really takes some liberties with the style. The beer is a dark brown color with a medium beige head and next to no lacing. The aroma is very nutty along with a touch of malt. Very rich body, with a full flavor of nuts, caramel, malt and liqueur. The warming alcohol is readily apparent right from the start. The finish is definitely reminiscent of cough syrup, however it is only palate-shocking right at the start. After your nerve endings are fried, the beer is much easier to drink and becomes more enjoyable. Still, this beer is nowhere near the same league as the great Doppelbocks of the world.

12/23/02:
Our waitress really couldn't tell us what type of beer this was, but it tastes like a good old-fashioned Christmas ale. Pours a dark amber with a thin off-white head. Aroma is alternatingly sweet and spicy. Flavor of malt, sweet cherry and cinnamon. This brew takes advantage of the law in Ohio allowing for higher-ABV beers.