Juneau, AK
Style: Imperial Doppelbock Ale
ABV: 10.5
Staff Review: Amber brown in color, lighter than many doppelbocks. A viscous, malt-heavy beer, but not remotely cloying (kind of like maple syrup without the syrupiness, if that’s possible)—a work of art to achieve that balance! Notes of toasty, nutty malt with a caramel sweetness. No alcohol burn, despite the 10.5 ABV, though a touch of heat slips in at the end. Finishes with a slight taste of figs. The brewers at Alaskan are masters of balance.
Puzzling that this is called imperial doppelbock ale, though doppelbocks are traditionally lagers. Does this mean that it’s brewed with ale yeast? Surprisingly clean, if so.