Walking Dead BeerWalker

Dock Street Brewing Co.

Philadelphia

Type of beer: Pale stout brewed with roasted goat brains and organic cranberries

ABV: 7.2%

To honor AMC’s The Walking Dead, Dock Street brewed a commemorative beer to appeal to the zombie in all of us. Brewed with cranberries and roasted goat brains, Walker challenges non-zombies to expand their taste capacities. Actually, there is something that does unite cooked meat and roasted barley. Umami, one of the five basic tastes, is found in those two food groups along with soy sauce, mushrooms and cheese.

As for the beer itself, the aroma vanishes quickly, but has a lot of dried fruit—figs in particular. The appearance is deep brown and, as would be expected for a beer targeting the zombie-loving market, somewhat murky and dense. No brightly colored beer for this audience. As for the head, I can’t stop myself: It lingers for quite a bit before dissipating quickly. I admit to a bit of reluctance in tasting it—too many visions from The Walking Dead. I expected a lot more (pardon the expression) “meaty” elements—the umami quality that comes from roasted meat and grain. Instead, I experienced an unexpected lighter body and a very tangy, to the point of tart, finish; no doubt from the astringent cranberries. (And here I was thinking they were there for their ghoulish effect!) This adds a balance to the “meatier” elements, so Walker comes off with an exotic balance, unlike anything I’ve ever had.

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