EKU 28 | Kulmbacher Brauerei AG
Brewed by:
Kulmbacher Brauerei AG
Germany
kulmbacher.de
Style: German Doppelbock
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
A super-strong Bock, but not an Eisbock.
Reviews: 469
| Ratings: 729
3.5/5 rDev -11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From Decervecitas. In Teku glass. Reading Intro to Python Ch5. Althought the abv is fairly high and some alcohol is noticeable, it isnt enough to spoil it thanks to a pleasant caramel sweetness
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From Decervecitas. In Teku glass. Reading Intro to Python Ch5. Althought the abv is fairly high and some alcohol is noticeable, it isnt enough to spoil it thanks to a pleasant caramel sweetness
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4.37/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bought at Liquor Shed.
It pours a mostly clear copper, has a small head of foam, produces good lacing.
Smells sweet with caramel malt, brown sugar or maple syrup. Somewhat of a boozy aroma.
Sweet but such a true Doppelbock, maple syrup and caramel oozing onto my palate. The alcohol brings some warming after the swallow but it's hidden pretty well in the taste. Bottle code doesn't make any sense so I don't know how old the 6pack is: 2730251.
Close to full bodied, lowish carbonation.
Excellent!!
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bought at Liquor Shed.
It pours a mostly clear copper, has a small head of foam, produces good lacing.
Smells sweet with caramel malt, brown sugar or maple syrup. Somewhat of a boozy aroma.
Sweet but such a true Doppelbock, maple syrup and caramel oozing onto my palate. The alcohol brings some warming after the swallow but it's hidden pretty well in the taste. Bottle code doesn't make any sense so I don't know how old the 6pack is: 2730251.
Close to full bodied, lowish carbonation.
Excellent!!
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4.38/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Great Dopple. Big flavor. Pours without a good head and almost no retention. Drink this one a little bit warmer, like 45-50, and the flavor really comes out. Malty and sweet with very little bitterness. Can definetly feel the high alcohol. This is a solid brew!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Great Dopple. Big flavor. Pours without a good head and almost no retention. Drink this one a little bit warmer, like 45-50, and the flavor really comes out. Malty and sweet with very little bitterness. Can definetly feel the high alcohol. This is a solid brew!
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4.04/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Heard many things about this beer finally found it and tried it out of a 11.2 oz bottle.. tried just below room temperature. Had sweet notes of fruit followed by alcohol most notably tasted like grape lollipops that you get from the bank here in America.. at 11% it definitely packs a punch good for a closing beer. Will definitely have this one again
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look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Heard many things about this beer finally found it and tried it out of a 11.2 oz bottle.. tried just below room temperature. Had sweet notes of fruit followed by alcohol most notably tasted like grape lollipops that you get from the bank here in America.. at 11% it definitely packs a punch good for a closing beer. Will definitely have this one again
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3.52/5 rDev -10.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a single-serve bottle into a tall pilsner glass.
Pours clear copper/amber with a fine two-finger head that lacks retention (not remarkable given the ABV) but features decent lacing and good stick down the sides of the glass.
The nose is immediately hit with salted caramel malts with hints of clean booze. Simple but straight.
The booze isn't as well-hidden on the tongue, but plenty of sweet malts and diacetyl notes provide good backbone before clean fusel alcohol hits like a mack-truck. However, it's a crisp "bite" not a staying "burn" in the booze department. Zero hops.
The mouthfeel is excellent. Not as heavy as expected. The booze stands in for the hops to provide the dry note needed to balance what is ultimately a pretty sweet offering.
Overall, glad I tried, but this is a shade boozy and one-note.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a single-serve bottle into a tall pilsner glass.
Pours clear copper/amber with a fine two-finger head that lacks retention (not remarkable given the ABV) but features decent lacing and good stick down the sides of the glass.
The nose is immediately hit with salted caramel malts with hints of clean booze. Simple but straight.
The booze isn't as well-hidden on the tongue, but plenty of sweet malts and diacetyl notes provide good backbone before clean fusel alcohol hits like a mack-truck. However, it's a crisp "bite" not a staying "burn" in the booze department. Zero hops.
The mouthfeel is excellent. Not as heavy as expected. The booze stands in for the hops to provide the dry note needed to balance what is ultimately a pretty sweet offering.
Overall, glad I tried, but this is a shade boozy and one-note.
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4.83/5 rDev +22.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
All you need to know is that this lager is the benchmark of doppelbock’s. When judging other doppelbock’s... just base their rating on how close they come to EKU 28
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
All you need to know is that this lager is the benchmark of doppelbock’s. When judging other doppelbock’s... just base their rating on how close they come to EKU 28
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3.56/5 rDev -9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Four Euros/0.331 L at Maisel and Friends, a bier garten/ beer store in Kulmbach, DE. A suitcase beer.
Bottle dated 28.05.18, stored at 42 degrees. Served at 57 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King Snifter.
Aroma – initially caramel malt but it fades with the head until it’s nearly odorless.
Head – large (Maximum 4.8 cm, aggressive pour), light tan, fizzy, gone in less than sixty seconds leaving neither ring nor layer.
Lacing – none.
Body – medium amber, clear.
Flavor – sweet and caramel. No hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl. The alcohol doesn’t show up until the post swallow gastric burn. Considering that this is made with both hops and hops extract, it’s a little surprising that the hops are undetectable.
Palate – full, syrupy, flat.
Worth trying once to see how the 11.2% ABV is hidden. One and done.
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.75, Flavor 3.5, Palate 3.5, Overall 3.5.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Four Euros/0.331 L at Maisel and Friends, a bier garten/ beer store in Kulmbach, DE. A suitcase beer.
Bottle dated 28.05.18, stored at 42 degrees. Served at 57 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King Snifter.
Aroma – initially caramel malt but it fades with the head until it’s nearly odorless.
Head – large (Maximum 4.8 cm, aggressive pour), light tan, fizzy, gone in less than sixty seconds leaving neither ring nor layer.
Lacing – none.
Body – medium amber, clear.
Flavor – sweet and caramel. No hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl. The alcohol doesn’t show up until the post swallow gastric burn. Considering that this is made with both hops and hops extract, it’s a little surprising that the hops are undetectable.
Palate – full, syrupy, flat.
Worth trying once to see how the 11.2% ABV is hidden. One and done.
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.75, Flavor 3.5, Palate 3.5, Overall 3.5.
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4.19/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Nice Dopplebock!
Aggressive pour into generic tulip with 3/4" head which quickly dissipated to a white foam ring (abv perhaps?).
On the eyes, a very nice deep brown clear color with no sediment or floaties.
On the nose, sweet sugars and malt coupled with slight heat from the 11% abv, which is more of an afterthought from the sugars and malty goodness.
Mouthfeel is full with sweetness and maltiness up front through the middle and back, with an ever so subtle palatte cleansing hoppiness...
Overall a fine example of the style - but keep in mind I use Samiclaus as the "standard" of the style.
Thanks for reading!
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Nice Dopplebock!
Aggressive pour into generic tulip with 3/4" head which quickly dissipated to a white foam ring (abv perhaps?).
On the eyes, a very nice deep brown clear color with no sediment or floaties.
On the nose, sweet sugars and malt coupled with slight heat from the 11% abv, which is more of an afterthought from the sugars and malty goodness.
Mouthfeel is full with sweetness and maltiness up front through the middle and back, with an ever so subtle palatte cleansing hoppiness...
Overall a fine example of the style - but keep in mind I use Samiclaus as the "standard" of the style.
Thanks for reading!
624 characters
4.23/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bought one to try, I finally found a place that sells this beer, so I figured I better get it. Opening the beer and drinking straight from the bottle, 2 scents jump out-- sweet fruit and alcohol. With 11% alcohol content, the 2nd is not a big surprise. The alcohol scent is not overpowering however.
Tasting the beer is a pleasant surprise, it is very balanced and sweet overall. Alcohol, while the scent is present initially, is well masked until the very end. Plum, sugar, apples, and hops are definitely present. Beer finishes a little dry, sticky, yet has an overall light feel which is surprising.
A very good doppelbock, and also a very strong one too. Surprisingly to me this is not an eisbock, but the sweet taste help mask the alcohol in this beer making it very drinkable. I will get more of this beer in the future.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bought one to try, I finally found a place that sells this beer, so I figured I better get it. Opening the beer and drinking straight from the bottle, 2 scents jump out-- sweet fruit and alcohol. With 11% alcohol content, the 2nd is not a big surprise. The alcohol scent is not overpowering however.
Tasting the beer is a pleasant surprise, it is very balanced and sweet overall. Alcohol, while the scent is present initially, is well masked until the very end. Plum, sugar, apples, and hops are definitely present. Beer finishes a little dry, sticky, yet has an overall light feel which is surprising.
A very good doppelbock, and also a very strong one too. Surprisingly to me this is not an eisbock, but the sweet taste help mask the alcohol in this beer making it very drinkable. I will get more of this beer in the future.
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3.99/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
11.2 oz. bottle poured into pilsener
L: brown-amber, orange, crystal clear, a bit light compared to other dopplebocks but an absolute beauty -- the color and clarity are stunning; pushes up big head, almost 1 1/2-inches tall, beige/tan foam that looks thick and sticky but dissipates rapidly and doesn't stick; good activity in the glass, mainly a tight column of bubbles in the middle of the column; keeps a thin collar of beige foam
S: fruity sweet ... plums, dates ... just a bit of dust, clean abbey ale dust (nothing barnyardesque or from the farmhouse); fig fruitcake
T: a bit hot from the alcohol is the first note, can't get around it, like a port wine; dusty fig and prune, some spicy hops, way more black pepper/spicy hop flavor than you can detect in the nose; smoothed out on the back end with a layer of brown sugar, molasses -- those notes are light compared to the dark fruit flavors; as it warms, has a slight peat/earthy flavor; the second half of the glass takes on a dominate earthy flavor ... not fruity or sweet but also not bitter or peaty
F: crispy and light for 11% ABV; carbonation tickles the tongue and may be enhancing the alcohol heat; I normally like a lot of carbonation, but for some reason the carbonation here might be a bit much
O: the alcohol heat can throw you at first, but all in all a great brew; the fruity sweet nose is the highlight for me, and the bubble activity inside the beautiful burnt orange-colored brew is quite a show
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
11.2 oz. bottle poured into pilsener
L: brown-amber, orange, crystal clear, a bit light compared to other dopplebocks but an absolute beauty -- the color and clarity are stunning; pushes up big head, almost 1 1/2-inches tall, beige/tan foam that looks thick and sticky but dissipates rapidly and doesn't stick; good activity in the glass, mainly a tight column of bubbles in the middle of the column; keeps a thin collar of beige foam
S: fruity sweet ... plums, dates ... just a bit of dust, clean abbey ale dust (nothing barnyardesque or from the farmhouse); fig fruitcake
T: a bit hot from the alcohol is the first note, can't get around it, like a port wine; dusty fig and prune, some spicy hops, way more black pepper/spicy hop flavor than you can detect in the nose; smoothed out on the back end with a layer of brown sugar, molasses -- those notes are light compared to the dark fruit flavors; as it warms, has a slight peat/earthy flavor; the second half of the glass takes on a dominate earthy flavor ... not fruity or sweet but also not bitter or peaty
F: crispy and light for 11% ABV; carbonation tickles the tongue and may be enhancing the alcohol heat; I normally like a lot of carbonation, but for some reason the carbonation here might be a bit much
O: the alcohol heat can throw you at first, but all in all a great brew; the fruity sweet nose is the highlight for me, and the bubble activity inside the beautiful burnt orange-colored brew is quite a show
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4.32/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Decanted from an 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottle into a conical pint; serial number 2658681, but no clear production or best by date.
A: Pours a questionably hazy, copper color with very limited and brief head formation and no lacing.
S: Floral bouquet with apple, pear, and citrus notes. Aroma of caramel malt present and predominates as warms. .
T: Sweet up front with caramel and raisin predominating. Nutty. Bitterness present throughout, but light and in excellent balance.
M: Full bodied with light to moderate carbonation. Alcohol perceptible mostly as a feeling in the throat after consumption.
O: A very enjoyable, if somewhat high alcohol, Doppelbock. Have had it before and will do so again.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Decanted from an 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottle into a conical pint; serial number 2658681, but no clear production or best by date.
A: Pours a questionably hazy, copper color with very limited and brief head formation and no lacing.
S: Floral bouquet with apple, pear, and citrus notes. Aroma of caramel malt present and predominates as warms. .
T: Sweet up front with caramel and raisin predominating. Nutty. Bitterness present throughout, but light and in excellent balance.
M: Full bodied with light to moderate carbonation. Alcohol perceptible mostly as a feeling in the throat after consumption.
O: A very enjoyable, if somewhat high alcohol, Doppelbock. Have had it before and will do so again.
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3.9/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Robust malty aroma. Rich butterscotch, toffee, grapeskins, raisins. Toast, graham cracker, and cinnamon. Biscuits. I feel like I can sit with this for a while and just smell it.
Pours rich ruby/amber with a thin wispy off-white head. No lacing.
Rich juicy caramel. Baked apples and pears. Burnt sugar. Subtle roast creeps in at the finish. Spicy, sweet alcohol. Seems sweet initially but dries out in the finish.
Medium full body with low carbonation. Feels "sticky" on the palate, but not cloying.
Much stronger and sweeter than a typical doppelbock, but easier drinking than, say, Samiclaus.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Robust malty aroma. Rich butterscotch, toffee, grapeskins, raisins. Toast, graham cracker, and cinnamon. Biscuits. I feel like I can sit with this for a while and just smell it.
Pours rich ruby/amber with a thin wispy off-white head. No lacing.
Rich juicy caramel. Baked apples and pears. Burnt sugar. Subtle roast creeps in at the finish. Spicy, sweet alcohol. Seems sweet initially but dries out in the finish.
Medium full body with low carbonation. Feels "sticky" on the palate, but not cloying.
Much stronger and sweeter than a typical doppelbock, but easier drinking than, say, Samiclaus.
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4.35/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
11.2oz bottle poured into a tulip. Pours a transparent auburn with a fluffy light khaki head that falls leaving nice retention and okay lacing. Great color. The aromas are awesome. Lots of rich caramel along with some toffee notes. Dark fruits are present. Lots of malty goodness. The flavors follow the nose perfectly. The malts shine. More caramel and toffee. Hints of raisins and black cherries. Solid malt backbone. It's sweet, but not cloying or over the top at all. Not too bitter. There's a very subtle spiciness in the finish. Alcohol is well hidden. Mouthfeel is very nice. It's on the lighter side of full-bodied with moderate carbonation. It's very smooth and easy to drink. It's dangerously drinkable.
This is a great brew. Great aromas and flavors. Highly enjoyable and fun to drink. Definitely worth checking out. Highly recommended.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
11.2oz bottle poured into a tulip. Pours a transparent auburn with a fluffy light khaki head that falls leaving nice retention and okay lacing. Great color. The aromas are awesome. Lots of rich caramel along with some toffee notes. Dark fruits are present. Lots of malty goodness. The flavors follow the nose perfectly. The malts shine. More caramel and toffee. Hints of raisins and black cherries. Solid malt backbone. It's sweet, but not cloying or over the top at all. Not too bitter. There's a very subtle spiciness in the finish. Alcohol is well hidden. Mouthfeel is very nice. It's on the lighter side of full-bodied with moderate carbonation. It's very smooth and easy to drink. It's dangerously drinkable.
This is a great brew. Great aromas and flavors. Highly enjoyable and fun to drink. Definitely worth checking out. Highly recommended.
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4.3/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
When this beer was poured it looked more like an Irish red ale than a Dopplebock. It also had a thin beige head which disapated quickly.
The beer had a very sweet, malty aroma.
The initial taste is quite sweet, but the toasted malty tones that you would expect from a Dopplebock are also present. In the middle the maltiness and caramel notes fade and a nutty flavor appears and lingers until the sheer sweetness of the beer overpowers it. At the end the sugary sweetness begins to worm on the tongue and is joined by the strong, but not overpowering presence of the alcohol tingling the tongue.
The mouthfeel is smooth, but not as substantial as you would expect from a Dopplebock. There is also the recurring tingling sensation as the alcohol seems to evaporate on the tongue.
Overall, this is an interesting Dopplebock. It is not as complex or substantial as a Celebrator, and not as straightforward as a Spaten. It is extremely sweet, which is not to be interpreted as bad... Just different for this style. Be careful with this one because it could go down fast, and it packs 11% abv.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
When this beer was poured it looked more like an Irish red ale than a Dopplebock. It also had a thin beige head which disapated quickly.
The beer had a very sweet, malty aroma.
The initial taste is quite sweet, but the toasted malty tones that you would expect from a Dopplebock are also present. In the middle the maltiness and caramel notes fade and a nutty flavor appears and lingers until the sheer sweetness of the beer overpowers it. At the end the sugary sweetness begins to worm on the tongue and is joined by the strong, but not overpowering presence of the alcohol tingling the tongue.
The mouthfeel is smooth, but not as substantial as you would expect from a Dopplebock. There is also the recurring tingling sensation as the alcohol seems to evaporate on the tongue.
Overall, this is an interesting Dopplebock. It is not as complex or substantial as a Celebrator, and not as straightforward as a Spaten. It is extremely sweet, which is not to be interpreted as bad... Just different for this style. Be careful with this one because it could go down fast, and it packs 11% abv.
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4.22/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Are we dealing with a classic or a great beer here ?
Given that classics (like Anchor's Liberty) inspire a movement, then EKU 28 is just a great beer because no other brewer seems to get how EKU 28 was made because nothing in my experience comes close.
The only thing that is average about EKU 28 is its looks. Even then, it looks like sherry... but alas, beer has suds.
As for the smell, never has there been so much fruit and sweet malt produced in a lager process. And the taste delivers.
Amazingly, the mouth is neither cloying nor alcoholic... which defies expectations.
Overall, if you have never Had EKU 28 twice... then you have not lived.
MJ is quoted on the bottle as calling this a "world classic." Judge that accolade as I quote here his 1999 "Guide" that gave EKU 3 of 4 stars "the nose and palate are intensely malty with some estery notes and a strongly alcoholic finish."
EKU also was selected and received an extensive review in Roger Protz' "300 Beers To Try Before You Die!"
Listed in the "1001 Beers To Taste Before You Die", EKU 28 deserves to be on the list for all of the reasons above.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Are we dealing with a classic or a great beer here ?
Given that classics (like Anchor's Liberty) inspire a movement, then EKU 28 is just a great beer because no other brewer seems to get how EKU 28 was made because nothing in my experience comes close.
The only thing that is average about EKU 28 is its looks. Even then, it looks like sherry... but alas, beer has suds.
As for the smell, never has there been so much fruit and sweet malt produced in a lager process. And the taste delivers.
Amazingly, the mouth is neither cloying nor alcoholic... which defies expectations.
Overall, if you have never Had EKU 28 twice... then you have not lived.
MJ is quoted on the bottle as calling this a "world classic." Judge that accolade as I quote here his 1999 "Guide" that gave EKU 3 of 4 stars "the nose and palate are intensely malty with some estery notes and a strongly alcoholic finish."
EKU also was selected and received an extensive review in Roger Protz' "300 Beers To Try Before You Die!"
Listed in the "1001 Beers To Taste Before You Die", EKU 28 deserves to be on the list for all of the reasons above.
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4.78/5 rDev +21%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Poured from an 11.2 OZ bottle into a tulip glass. The appearance is a light copper color with a small off-white head. The aroma is a very nice blend of malt, fruit and alcohol. The taste is big on fruit with some malt.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Poured from an 11.2 OZ bottle into a tulip glass. The appearance is a light copper color with a small off-white head. The aroma is a very nice blend of malt, fruit and alcohol. The taste is big on fruit with some malt.
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3.96/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Beautifully done strong beer from one of Germany’s old breweries. Eisbock in particular is a specialty of Kulmbac, and this one is a joy to drink. Aroma of toffee, similar to a Belgian strong ale, and taste is also sweet like toffee, with a slight hint at the alcohol content. Nice for a winter’s evening....Cheers!
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Beautifully done strong beer from one of Germany’s old breweries. Eisbock in particular is a specialty of Kulmbac, and this one is a joy to drink. Aroma of toffee, similar to a Belgian strong ale, and taste is also sweet like toffee, with a slight hint at the alcohol content. Nice for a winter’s evening....Cheers!
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3.88/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle date info: 2517194
Dark, brownish-copper hued body; coarse carbonation rising with a foamy, thin and wispy, off-white head. Richly aromatic with caramel and dark roasted malts; sweet; nutty; a sense of alcohol deep within. Heavy caramel flavors infused with a nice counterbalancing boozy quality. Heavy body; chewy and oily; warm.
Taste-wise, this is a pretty decent doppelbock. It's too bad that the head really disappears completely after a few minutes. The alcohol burn also could be backed off a notch though is needed somewhat to keep the sugary sweetness from becoming cloying. It's got depth with the flavor but comes across awkwardly for the overall balance. Still, this is one to try for this particular style.
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look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle date info: 2517194
Dark, brownish-copper hued body; coarse carbonation rising with a foamy, thin and wispy, off-white head. Richly aromatic with caramel and dark roasted malts; sweet; nutty; a sense of alcohol deep within. Heavy caramel flavors infused with a nice counterbalancing boozy quality. Heavy body; chewy and oily; warm.
Taste-wise, this is a pretty decent doppelbock. It's too bad that the head really disappears completely after a few minutes. The alcohol burn also could be backed off a notch though is needed somewhat to keep the sugary sweetness from becoming cloying. It's got depth with the flavor but comes across awkwardly for the overall balance. Still, this is one to try for this particular style.
729 characters
4.3/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
From a 330 ml bottle (code says 2329182) into a snifter.
A-A normal pour produces about a finger of tan head that fades quickly and leaves a collar around the glass. No lacing. The beer is medium amber in color with no carbonation to be seen through the clear liquid. Attractive hue, but kinda ho-hum.
S-The aroma is, as you might expect, quite malty. I mostly sniff light colored honey, bruleed bananas, golden raisin, and some syrup notes. Not much dark fruit to be found here. There are hints of grainy, alcohol spice too. For a beer this big, alcohol is warming instead of in your face.
T-The taste is similar to the smell. Golden raisin, caramel, bruleed banana, toffee, and a lot of general sweetness. There is a bit of spice and alcohol warmth, but nothing hot or intrusive. After the initial sweetness onslaught, the finish fades to a medicinal, herbal alcohol on the palate. Very nice.
M-The body on this beer is big and the carbonation is mellow and creamy. It might be a little syrupy for some, but I think it fits this style well.
O-A nice beer that really represents what a big, malty, German brew can do. It obviously lacks the bells and whistles of a modern BA stout or barleywine or whatever, but there is no denying this is a great tasting and complex brew.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
From a 330 ml bottle (code says 2329182) into a snifter.
A-A normal pour produces about a finger of tan head that fades quickly and leaves a collar around the glass. No lacing. The beer is medium amber in color with no carbonation to be seen through the clear liquid. Attractive hue, but kinda ho-hum.
S-The aroma is, as you might expect, quite malty. I mostly sniff light colored honey, bruleed bananas, golden raisin, and some syrup notes. Not much dark fruit to be found here. There are hints of grainy, alcohol spice too. For a beer this big, alcohol is warming instead of in your face.
T-The taste is similar to the smell. Golden raisin, caramel, bruleed banana, toffee, and a lot of general sweetness. There is a bit of spice and alcohol warmth, but nothing hot or intrusive. After the initial sweetness onslaught, the finish fades to a medicinal, herbal alcohol on the palate. Very nice.
M-The body on this beer is big and the carbonation is mellow and creamy. It might be a little syrupy for some, but I think it fits this style well.
O-A nice beer that really represents what a big, malty, German brew can do. It obviously lacks the bells and whistles of a modern BA stout or barleywine or whatever, but there is no denying this is a great tasting and complex brew.
1,279 characters
4.53/5 rDev +14.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Lovely caramel color, carbonation seems to be high, but no head at all. Smell us somewhat non-existent. Taste is quite surprising and delightful. Almost has a slight apple cider finish. Hard to believe this is 11%
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look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Lovely caramel color, carbonation seems to be high, but no head at all. Smell us somewhat non-existent. Taste is quite surprising and delightful. Almost has a slight apple cider finish. Hard to believe this is 11%
213 characters
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Clear, copper color with one finger of head that fades with little lacing.
Aroma: Sweet malt, a little molasses, ripe tree fruit and raisins.
Taste: Lots of sweet malty goodness, a little boozy, port wine fruitiness, a little toasted, nutty malt lingers into the finish.
The Rest: Creamy but not sticky, low carbonation, pretty drinkable. Really good!
371 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Clear, copper color with one finger of head that fades with little lacing.
Aroma: Sweet malt, a little molasses, ripe tree fruit and raisins.
Taste: Lots of sweet malty goodness, a little boozy, port wine fruitiness, a little toasted, nutty malt lingers into the finish.
The Rest: Creamy but not sticky, low carbonation, pretty drinkable. Really good!
371 characters
4.5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pretty much like liquid bread. Rides that super fine line of big malt character, sweetness and alcohol taste, which is pretty subdued given the high gravity. Much prefer this to Samichlaus.
189 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pretty much like liquid bread. Rides that super fine line of big malt character, sweetness and alcohol taste, which is pretty subdued given the high gravity. Much prefer this to Samichlaus.
189 characters
4.03/5 rDev +2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours is a clear copper. Small off white head that doesn't linger.
Smell is of raisins, prunes and dates. Residual caramel sugar lingers in the background. Sweetness present on the nose, but not overpowering.
Taste is fairly close to the nose. Raisins and dark candied fruits upfront, followed by a lingering sweetness and slight booze warmth. Caramel melds in nicely on the finish.
Mouthfeel has a nice heft to it without being heavy. As clear as the beer is, the senses are slightly confused and the weight of the beer is surprising yet welcomed.
Overall a great representation of the style.
598 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours is a clear copper. Small off white head that doesn't linger.
Smell is of raisins, prunes and dates. Residual caramel sugar lingers in the background. Sweetness present on the nose, but not overpowering.
Taste is fairly close to the nose. Raisins and dark candied fruits upfront, followed by a lingering sweetness and slight booze warmth. Caramel melds in nicely on the finish.
Mouthfeel has a nice heft to it without being heavy. As clear as the beer is, the senses are slightly confused and the weight of the beer is surprising yet welcomed.
Overall a great representation of the style.
598 characters
3.84/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This strong doppelbock makes the choice of booziness over flavor. Which makes it quite a sipper. Some toffee and ester notes. Still somehow enjoyable.
150 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This strong doppelbock makes the choice of booziness over flavor. Which makes it quite a sipper. Some toffee and ester notes. Still somehow enjoyable.
150 characters
3.96/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear dark orange-brown with a foamy tan head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt, caramel, brown sugar, and dark fruit aromas. Taste is much the same with toast, caramel, dark fruit, and raisin flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of toast bitterness and an alcohol kick on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with solid aromas and rich and boozy flavors.
Serving type: bottle.
588 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear dark orange-brown with a foamy tan head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt, caramel, brown sugar, and dark fruit aromas. Taste is much the same with toast, caramel, dark fruit, and raisin flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of toast bitterness and an alcohol kick on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with solid aromas and rich and boozy flavors.
Serving type: bottle.
588 characters
EKU 28 from Kulmbacher Brauerei AG
Beer rating:
3.95 out of
5 with
729 ratings
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