Snickerdoodle Doppelbock
Ballad Brewing

 

Poured from a 16 oz can into a snifter. The beer is very attractive; medium to dark brown with crystal clarity and a thick tan head. The aromas are strong molasses and brown sugar from the traditional German malt profile. There is also a moderately sharp spice note that could be the cinnamon that's mentioned in the beer's description. The flavors are also solidly in the German style's wheelhouse. Brown sugar, raisins, light molasses; all the reasons I love the style. This beer also features a light sprinkling of cinnamon, which complements it well. Moderate body with an off-dry finish that leaves a fine coating of malt sweetness behind, like the best German examples. Low to moderate carbonation. Low to moderate hops bitterness seems a bit high for the style. Light alcohol presence. This beer is generally a very good example of the style, but also has the spice addition that is unusual but pleasant. It does not make it into a full-on pastry beer, but is more subtle and just enhances the original slightly.

 

Good beer but the spicing makes it not seem much like a Doppelbock. Poured from a 16 oz can into a tulip glass, this beer features a dense brown color with no light coming through and a bubbly small light tan head. Head retention is good. There are some thin bands of filmy lacing on the glass. The malty character of a Doppelbock is muted by the strong vanilla and cinnamon presence. The effect is more like a pastry beer rather than a crisp malty bock. Other than the fact it was not what I was expecting, it actually tasted pretty good!!! The vanilla and cinnamon were not over the top. Mouthfeel was rich and slightly sweet. the alcohol was well disguised and it went down very well. If you are looking for a dessert beer that is not too sweet or cloying, this one works. If you are looking for a traditional German bock beer, not so much!!!!

 

 

Poured from can into pint glass. Pours mahogany brown with a light tan head- a bit of sediment visible in the glass. Taste has some sweetness from the vanilla and cinnamon flavors with a touch of bitterness from the malt. Finish is short and crisp. A little heavier than expected but very drinkable.