Otay Dunkel Weizen
Ellicott Mills Brewing Company

I tried this beer in early August '07 (around the 8th I believe). I received it and sniffed it, and found that the smell was awesome. It was pretty dark and murky with a tan head. But, upon tasting, I immediately was overwhelmed by the flavor of soap. Now, maybe that's how this style is supposed to taste, but I thought it was terrible. The alcohol was immediately unleashed over the already disgusting soap taste. The drinkability is hindered by the overwhelming alcohol taste. I may have to try a completely different Dunkel Weizen to make sure I am not firmly against this style, but currently this is one of the worst beers I've tried. So far, Ellicott Mills has been hit and miss - mostly hit.

The beer poured a dark cloudy caramel with a tan head. The aroma was exceptional being my favorite sweet caramel malt. The taste held up the promise and delivered sweet malt with a hint of vanilla. The feel was creamy and surprisingly dry. This beer was well worth the trip to Ellicott City, and erased many of the bad memories of the Illuminator.