Einstök is the number one craft beer in Iceland and is slowly emerging all over the United States. Up for review today is their Doppelbock, a limited edition brew for the holiday season. Their site describes the beer as “malted barley and chocolate tones define the traditional style, while the robust aroma and long, mellow finish make this the perfect companion for holiday adventures.”
Icelandic Doppelbock pours a dark, chocolatey brown with a firm, tan head that rose to just about two fingers at its height. The aroma of chocolate, caramel, barley, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. Very little carbonation can be seen due to the darkness of the beer. This is a dark, rich looking beer.
The first sip definitely follows the nose with notes of barley, chocolate, caramel and malt. There is also a hint of butterscotch, which might be the aroma I couldn’t quite pinpoint. It is absolutely delightful. There is a slight alcohol taste mixed in, almost like a smooth whiskey on the backend that really gives this beer a nice profile. The amount of carbonation is on the lighter side, a perfect complement to the beer. There is a slight vanilla, oak finish like you would get from a whiskey barrel which is very pleasant.
The mouthfeel is almost syrupy on the tongue but smooth at the same time. It finishes smooth. The flavor profile stayed consistent throughout the session which only invited you to take yet another sip. There was some lacing on the glass to mark your progress but it wasn’t going to remind you of your grandmother’s table with the lace.
At 6.7 percent ABV this beer will warm you during the cold winter months and give you a nice rosy glow in the cheeks. It really would be a pleasant sipping beer any time of the year. I could see myself drinking this around a fall campfire or by the fireplace during the holiday season. I could even drink this on a warm summer night, a perfect nightcap to a good day being outdoors.
Overall this is a really good brew. Einstök has produced some really tasty beers and this one is no different. The one problem I have with it is it is a limited holiday release. If you are a fan of this type of beer, like myself, then you will be happy. It is a rich, smooth offering that lives up to the Doppelbock standard. This is a fun beer and another home run by Einstök.