Watzkes Honigbräu
Ball- und Brauhaus Watzke

Watzkes Honigbräu
,3L vom fass at Watzke Brauereiausschank am Ring, 30.12.2013

Following on the heels of November's Rauchbier, this is Watzke's December's beer of the month (w/ the exception of the Weihnachtsbock which sells out quickly). I wouldn't have thought of a honey beer as a winter seasonal, but it actually makes sense. Firstly, it does make a good Christmas beer if you want something malty and sweet but not spicy -- and the Weinachtsbock sells out quickly so this is a good second! Secondly, it depends on the honey: the honey isn't ready during the summer, and it's probably not even ready early enough to brew a fall beer either; that's then backed up by the lack of need to find a fall beer to brew as tradition dictates a Festbier. More importantly, I'd think a honey beer would be too sweet in the summer, and perhaps even in the spring and fall as well - but in winter it's perfect for sipping on. With all of that said, it's sweet, even for a brewer that makes mainly malty beers that fall towards the sweet rather than the dry.

It's a hazy orange-amber beneath a frothy head of white. The aroma is floral and earthy, and just hints at honey. In the mouth it's full bodied, and it gently tickles the tongue with a moderate carbonation. The flavor displays sweetish, mild caramel malt with distinct notes of honey, and some fruit (apple, pear). It has a low bitterness level that leaves it sweet, but somehow not sticky... it's on the edge... would more than one become cloying? In the end I guess it doesn't matter. It's a seasonal beer and it's probably not intended for repeat consumption - they have a pils for that.