In a word, impressed.
You never quite know what you are going to get with these cheap, 12 oz singles from TJ’s but to be honest more often than not I have been really pleased with what I’ve found. This was no exception.
Really deep, garnet copper body with some lovely light coffee-colored head. Lace and retention are not the best, but the clarity and the depth of color are both very nice.
Lovely sweetness in the taste – I suspect it will be too much fro some, but if you like a sweet, malt based profile this hits the spot immediately. Burned sugars ans LOTS of caramel – I mean, LOTS. The bock/Dopplebock characteristics are not really too prevalent and the yeast character is restrained, but the sugar and sweetness are certainly there. Some dark fruits too, and a decent depth on the mouthfeel.
The alcohol is extremely well hidden.
Very pleased with this one, and perhaps not a classic in the style, nor a beer that is likely to attract many plaudits, but if you love a sweet brew with heavy emphasis on the malts, and you enjoy excellent value I think that you may be delighted.