Sunday, December 5, 2010

A Tale of Two Cities' Doppelbocks


It is rare that I get a head to head comparison of similar beer styles in Victoria. The exception is the IPA. This week both Phillips and Lighthouse released their yearly limited release doppelbocks. For Lighthouse it is only their second limited run brew. So how did these malty beers compare? Let's find out.







Instigator 2010 (Phillips)

This year's Instigator had an aroma that was oddly faint: sherry, toast, caramel and dark fruits. I would describe the mouthfeel as medium-full with low carbonation. There was just a hint of alcohol warmth from this strong brew (8.5% ABV). It was a very malty brew; lots of toasted sherry/port flavours. There was also a dash of caramel and white grapes in the mix. The aftertaste faded too quickly but left a pleasant sherry like warmth. This was a good doppelbock; my wife preferred this one.

Taste +3
Aftertaste +1
Alcohol Content +1 8.5%
Value +1
Ingame Enhancement +1

Total 7/10



Lighthouse Navigator


Lighthouse's version was just like Phillip's - only it was supercharged. The nose was boozier, richer with more malt, more sherry, more dark fruit and more of everything. With a darker coloured pour you knew it would yield more flavours. The alcohol warmth was more pronounced and the dark fruits were bigger. Ditto for caramel/toffee and port-like tastes. I have had many doppelbocks; this was among the best. Bonus points for a beautiful bottle.

Taste +4
Aftertaste +2
Alcohol Content +1 8.5%
Value +1
Ingame Enhacnement +1

Total 9/10

Drinking these brews brought me great happiness. No it was not because of the big alcohol content; it was because of the great flavours. Both were excellent doppelbocks, but Lighthouse's was better. The Navigator was richer, maltier, with a bigger nose and a longer linger. It fills my beer belly with joy to know that another brewery in Victoria can produce delicious limited edition beers. And that's just what Lighthouse's Navigator was: delicious. I plan to throw a few Navigators in my beer cellar to experiment with aging.

Paulaner Salvator plus beer and wine are equally and healthful and harmful
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Doppel-Hirsch

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