Stiegl Spezial
Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg GmbH

Found in a Vienna grocery store, the tall brown half liter bottle sports a swing top and a multicolored label featuring an old grainy picture of Heinrich Kiener, who apparently revitalized the brewery at the turn of the 20th century. Ingredients conform to the purity law. Best before 12/22/06, I opened it on 11/9/06.

Pours a clear pinkish gold under a one finger white head that fades quite quickly to clumps of film and a bit of collar, no lace at all. The musky nose shows signs of fermented peaches and three day old bread. Quite prickly and very heavy with hints of syrup. The taste has some heavy grain and lighter sweet fruit notes. The hops are very subdued, with just a shadow of bitter at the aftertaste, more dry than spicey. Not at all special, this brew is interesting, but not particularly good.