Batch 5 – notched on the label.

Picked this up on a whim a couple of years ago, knowing that it was very old (I think this was brewed in 2012), knowing that BFM haven’t thrilled me over the decades, and knowing that I would likely get very little in return. However, I usually feel a duty to at least try with a beer like this one – a Weizenbock, in the 750 mL format, at the edges of expectation, and a beer that I thought that I would never experience. So I’m in!

At this stage of its life I’m expecting nothing, but prying the cap off comes with a decent pfftt, and the beer is very well-carbonated. That is undoubtably a good sigh to start. It’s an ugly dubbel pour, but with some stronger light it looks better with some red-highlights. The head is good, leaves some lace, and has some half-decent retention. At this stage i.e., just after the pour, I’m frankly amazed, and also delighted. So far so good.

There is no coffee left at all in either the nose or the tastes. That’s fine by me! I wouldn’t say that there is a lot of Weizenbock character here either, other than the fact that the beer is a malty experience that might have its origins in such a beer. Obviously this beer is almost nothing like it was intended to be, and I suppose that you can call foul as far as its relationship with its brewer and where it is now. On the other hand we could just accept this a yeasty, Belgian inspired malty experience, with some bock like character, and be delighted that a beer at this age remains (relatively) highly drinkable.

It’s remarkably drinkable considering the age, and also remarkable that it’s in really good condition. Lightly fruited malts, some warming alcohol, a little dry element in the finish, and a smooth, simple ‘amber feel’ about the whole package. As it warms there is some toffee and some caramel pushing through. Feels like a sweetish, English Barleywine minus the alcohol kick.

Take your personal position and run with it. As far as the original beer goes I don’t think this has any resemblance; as an exercise in terms of holding together, this beer is a triumph! It would be hard to recommend this per se at this stage, but if you’re willing to have some fun with beer, I’d definitely say take a chance. Extremely interesting if nothing else.