Bell's Brewing » Consecrator (Doppelbock) | ABV: 8.0% | Rating: 9.2/10
With a busy week of shows, mixing, writing, and possible travels ahead, I've been catching up on some recent activity. Activity always goes better with a a bit of lubrication, don't you think?
I've been eyeing Bell's Consecrator for a bit now, having never been disappointing with any of their higher-end sixers. However, doppelbocks have to be pretty tasty to drop $18 for a pack. Initially, we picked this up for a bottle share. In hindsight, I recommend having this early / middle and not later as I'd expected.
Starts up with a deep, translucent and unhazed ruby body with a ring of staying head. Beautiful, sweet lager malt nose of brown bread and toast shines through with distinct notes of ripe grapes.
Understated and exquisite flavors and prickly carbonation roll over the tongue, pushing soft sparks of caramel sugars, bright esters, and hazy dark fruits. Malts are the star here, in this wonderfully subtle brew, riding the balance of soft, dark bitterness and roasted flavor, hovering on a light and fluffy mouthfeel.
Note to pour the entire bottle into the glass as there's flavor-packed goodness that settles. Further through some dry cocoa notes appear with a mild, building, soft chalky mouthfeel.
As one of the most German-inspired American brewed Doppelbock I've run across of late, it's all about classic elegance with this brew - no kitchen-sink, Americanized gimmickry here. The pricepoint will target this one to the dark lager fans and those with particularly discerning palates - highly recommended for both. Overall, a wonderful find. Looking forward to see what this does in a couple months.
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