Last night the Boy and I finally broke into the Double Vision Doppelbock by Grand Teton Brewing (www.grandtetonbrewing.com). I talked to the Brewmaster, Rob Mullin, last month when I picked this beer up and he said:
“ You’re in for a real treat with the Double Vision. We’ve been out of it here at the brewery for a long time, but when we tasted it in March, it was really aging nicely.
Here are our Cellar Master’s notes from that tasting: http://grandtetoncellar.blogspot.com/2010/03/meet-cellar-master-and-doppelbock.html. In general, I’ve been really happy with the way our malty beers have aged, and the Doppelbock is a prime example. If you can make it to one of our October events in Cali, you might be able to taste some of it aged in bourbon or whiskey barrels. The Bourbon version might possibly be my favorite beer ever.
It’s almost cruel of me to mention this beer, since it’s a limited edition from 2009 and it’d be pretty hard to track down the remaining bottles. I have the good fortune of working by the largest Bevmo in Northern California and will be picking up the last bottle they have there Monday (assuming it’s still there).
A little Doppelbock history! ” The 17th century Paulist monks of Munich were allowed no solid food during their twice-yearly fasts. They brewed an especially nourishing strong dark lager they called “liquid bread” and named “Holy Father” to help them through the Lenten and Advent fasts.” (-from the Grand Teton Website)
Oh this is certainly liquid bread. Liquid alcoholic bread. After a year and a half aging I’d estimate the original 8% ABV has enterd a 10% plus region. The Boy and I felt it. I also felt full after a glass of this generously portioned beer.
The nose was woodsy with some fruit, bread and malt mingling together. This was an incredibly luscious, thick, sticky mouthful. As for the flavor, those monks wouldn’t be denying themselves much with this. Thick toasted whole wheat bread came to mind and then I got dark fruit (raisins, plums, currants) sweetness. There was a little roast, a little chocolate.
This is a beer to savor, and not just because of the increased alcohol content, but because of the surprising flavors each sip brings.
I have one left, but if the Bevmo by work still has one I’m going to marinade some chicken Rob style.
It was really neat to hear from Rob and get a few words from him which made this beer and post even more special.