Beer Review - Dark Horse Perkulator.

Had intended spending today at the Michigan Winter Beerfest (even had tickets to the sold out event and transportation to and back in a bus) but instead I spent it sick as all hell here at home. Not sure the cause... woke up this way. On top of that one of my favorite bakeries in town burnt to the ground this morning. They made a really nice Brewers Bread so I will dedicate this review (of a local Michigan brew) to them.

Dark Horse Brewing Company - Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock

Beer Type: Doppelbock

Appearance: Came in a 4 pack of 12 oz. brown bottles with two different labels - the one above (which is awesome) and one with a moonscapes and percolator rockets launching. Beer poured a dark red/brown with a thin beige head that quickly settled but left nice lacing.

Smell: A strong coffee scent and something smokey mixed with something bitter. Overall it is a fairly nice aroma.

First Drink: Coffee up front (just like the scent) but followed quickly by some very grainy flavors.

Mouthfeel: Overall this is pretty smooth and I didn't really taste the alcohol coming through for such a high gravity brew.

Last Drink: The taste now is less "fresh cup of coffee" and more "used coffee grounds" but the overall flavor is still a good one.

Drinkability: Good for one or two but I am not sure I would make a night of drinking this beer.

Notes: I have really enjoyed the other Dark Horse beers I have had but this one wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad but it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for either.

Verdict: 3.25 out of 5. Made well but could perhaps be a bit more refined in the flavor department.

Links: Beer Advocate and Dark Horse Brewing Company.