Winter Bier
Klosterbrauerei Andechs

I went tonight to the Andechs monastery on 11/11 (beginning of German Fasching) as they had advertized a new beer release today, so sampling is a must.
Andechs Winter 2009 pours a dark malty hue of mahagony brown, light ruby tones around the edges as it is held up to the light. Nice, foamy head leaves light lacing.
On the nose the bier is noticeably less sweeter than the Dopplebock. Toasted malts, dark bread, a hint of bittering hops, grainy, little sugary sweetness, and the "mineral" aroma I find in many beers here due to the hard well water in the area. Not extrodinarily complex, but sitting in a dark monastery beer hall, this definatly conjures up images of monks drinking a similar beer as the weather gets cold..gives you chills.
Taste is bready, malty, hint of toffee, coffee,lightly bitter and finishes chewy. The mouthfeel remains exiting as the beer has a nice carbonation that adds balance and cuts nicely through any residual malt sweetness. The lingering flavor of dark grains and a touch of hop bitterness resets the palate for another sip. ONce agin, not extrodinary in complexity, but very fitting, and quite tasty nonetheless. I found this to be a good beer, and one I look foward to drinking again here through the winter months. And in asking the locals I feel very lucky to be here on the first night of it's release...although I would probably sacrifice the neighbors dog to Satan to get a taste of that Black Tuesday Ive been hearing so mch about, or Dark Lord...maybe next year.Prost