Butt Kopf

A favorite beer style of mine is a doppelbock. Though my last attempt at brewing the style ended in relative disaster (mistakes mistakes mistakes...), that doesn't keep me from wanting to try again, and from tasting a variety of takes on this style in an attempt to create a solid recipe.

There are a couple of examples of this style that I consider untouchable and unattainable, so lovely are they in their perfection. Holy, almost, which is fitting, seeing as they are brewed by monks. In my mind, dudes who pray all day, and brew beer in their free time...well, divine touch and all.

Then there are examples that I find attainable and very drinkable; something that if I could emulate it, I'd be satisfied (though would still strive for that ultimate!). Tommyknocker Brewery's Butthead Doppelbock, despite the name, is one of those beers.Poured into my glass, this beer was a beautiful ruby red and russet brown, with thick tan head that lasted all the way down the glass. Quaff after quaff left rings down the side, marking my progress as I went (which was pretty quick).

The aroma was a bowl of caramel squares. Right there with all that caramel were toasty and bread-dough aromas combined with dried cherries and a hint of citrus hops. A bit of alcohol warmth peeks through at the end.

The taste was every bit as good as the aroma. Big huge malt sweetness and caramel backbone held up very pleasant toast and doughy flavors. The alcohol heat rounded everything out at the end.

Silky and slightly oily on the tongue, medium bodied with a nice dry lager finish, this beer was a solidly-brewed doppelbock that I will definitely come back to. Not the best ever in my fridge (see above), but apart from the name, which is unfortunately corny and too cute by half, this is drinkable and well worth the purchase.