Monteith Doppelbock (Greymouth, NZ)For one of the bigger players in the Kiwi brewing industry, Monteiths make some particularly high quality drops. They are, to draw Australian comparisons, like the James Squire of the South Island, and its excellent to see them on Australian shelves.
This special winter release aims to emulate the rich, dark 'double Bock' German dark ale style, which, considering my love of Bock, is immediately attractive. I think the attraction revolves around its rich malty warmth and alcohol kick (6% or so for this one) making for a beer that will never qualify as 'sessionable', but is such a satisfying, who-really-cares-whats-happening-outside-I'm-staying-here, 'quiet ale' beer of intensity and flavour.
On the palate, this is dry and warming, without obvious sweetness. After drinking a fair bit of the Harviestoun, which is much more of a stout style, this seemed quite lean and nowhere near as luxurious, but after bottle number two I think I had this figured out. It's actually lighter, less smoky and chocolatey than a more classic stout style, with more bitterness and a drier finish making it slightly more refreshing and a little bit more amicable than the Harviestoun, though also a little less satisfying.
In the end, this is a finely made 'big bottling' brew, with much to like in flavour and style, even if I was wanting just a little bit more
This special winter release aims to emulate the rich, dark 'double Bock' German dark ale style, which, considering my love of Bock, is immediately attractive. I think the attraction revolves around its rich malty warmth and alcohol kick (6% or so for this one) making for a beer that will never qualify as 'sessionable', but is such a satisfying, who-really-cares-whats-happening-outside-I'm-staying-here, 'quiet ale' beer of intensity and flavour.
On the palate, this is dry and warming, without obvious sweetness. After drinking a fair bit of the Harviestoun, which is much more of a stout style, this seemed quite lean and nowhere near as luxurious, but after bottle number two I think I had this figured out. It's actually lighter, less smoky and chocolatey than a more classic stout style, with more bitterness and a drier finish making it slightly more refreshing and a little bit more amicable than the Harviestoun, though also a little less satisfying.
In the end, this is a finely made 'big bottling' brew, with much to like in flavour and style, even if I was wanting just a little bit more
2009/10 WCA Wine Journalism 'Young Gun; Wine Judge; Gourmet Traveller WINE and Breathe Hunter Valley magazine contributor; LattéLife & The Retiree columnist; National Liquor News tasting panellist and Chablis lover who fell into the liquor industry chiefly to buy cheap beer.
Excellent stuff! What about a review of the limted edition Crown Ambassador release???
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say about polishing turds..
ReplyDeleteWhat a bloody good winter beer man. That Choclatey palate is awesome but like you say not overpowering. Better than the Red Oak attempt to incorporate those characteristics. Baz I really want to know what that Crown tastes like hey, its fricken expenisve
ReplyDeleteTo be honest Andrew I've never been overly impressed by any Monteefys.
ReplyDeleteI've had the Golden Lager and Pilsener but I've yet to try this Doppelbock Winter Ale.
Particularly off putting to me was their Radler - I hope we never see James Squire release one of them!
Gotta agree with your clever remark on the $70!? Crown Ambassador. Foster's claim 'Australia's leading premium beer' - since when? 2008? But if Coopers made one.... ;)
cheers
Chris P