Krampus Riserva Strepponi
Birrificio Del Ducato

March 2019: Shared 750 ml bottle, vintage 2015, from Vinmonopolet; Nettbutikken. ABV 9.0%. Hazy reddish brown colour, off-white head. Aroma of brettanomyces, lemons, red wine vinegar and spices. Sour and spicy flavour with the same elements, good beer.

2010/2011 edition in the little genie bottle with the faded looking label, a strong winter ale with anise and other spices i believe, aged in red wine barrels, super unique, insanely mature at this point, intensely flavored stuff perfect for kicking off the holiday season, a treat to drink at this vintage and something quite rare at this point, wasnt sure id ever have the pleasure! deep hazy amber in color, high headed, and with nice lace as i sip on it, looks a little turbid and raw, but at this age it probably should. aroma shows very little oxidation, a little brett set in, tons of tannic red wine and oak, and some light bacterial acidity, almost a flemish vibe to it, which i believe is intentional in this edition (i have yet to have any other editions of this yet). some leathery fruitiness, dried apricot and raisin and even cranberry, wet wood, light rot and decay, anise and toffee and caramel and chestnut all in with the grain, a rich breadiness, warming alcohol, nutmeg and clove and even maybe ginger, just a little acidic bite to it when i taste it. some candied orange and cherry nuance, fortified red wine, a little cider vinegar, unlit cigar, and cognac. its super complex, warms well, and never gets too funky or sour, even though its quite fermentation forward, a little different for ducato, and it has me eager to try this fresher and see how much of this weirdness is a product of age. i love the malt depth, the mellow but unique spice profile, and the chewy body. truly a bizarre brew, ancient now, but a treasure nevertheless. i love ducato and all they do, and as curious as this one is, it also seems perfect for holiday time. lucky to have had this so generously shared with me, nothing quite like it out there...

 

2011 bottle brought back from Rome. Was a faint brown with a half-inch light brown head. Smell was dense spice, almost like a Belgium ale. Overall taste was the combination of the best dark belgium ale ive ever tasted with the best sour stout ive ever tasted.