Bells Consecrator Doppelbock

Brewed by Bells Brewery
Style: Doppelbock
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

Batch 6656 Bottled January 2005, sampled February 2006
Pours with an amber tinged tan colored head. The beer itself is a brilliantly clear, deep amber-red color. The aroma is sweet and malty, with a solid malt-derived fruit note that reminds me of raisins and a bit of cherry as well. The aroma on this is just a concentrated malt bomb, yet it is not cloying in any way. There is enough dry, toasted malt notes here to just add to the complexity of the aroma. The aroma is definitely a malt lovers delight, at least it brings out the malt lover in me.

The beer has quite a bit of sweetness in the taste, but it is definitely not cloying. It is not overly thick either, hefty enough to be a hearty drink. Notes of carmalized malts, toffee, raisins and a bit of ruminess that manifests itself along with the bit of alcohol in the finish. This beer goes down quite smooth, almost creamy, it is really a pleasure to drink. These American examples of malt are so far and in between that it makes them that much more pleasurable when I get a hold of one.

Batch # 6656. Poured to a dark brown/maroon color. Aroma was of sweet berries and malt. Flavor was on the sweet side with a slightly bitter finish. I liked this one.

Well done example of dopplebock, from a brewery that is know for its world class ales. I’m happy to say, Bell’s can do lagers, as well as they do ales. Consecrator is a very well done domestic example of dopplebock. This beer pours to a beautiful, bright, deep amber to red color, with a thick, creamy, white head, and a moderate carbonation. The nose on this beer is excellent, with lots of good toasty, and nutty malt aroma. The palate is firm, with good nutty and toasty malt flavor, on a very smooth, slick, polished body. Consecrator finishe with more good, firm, toasty and nutty malt up front, then ends with a peppery, alcohol bite that lingers. Excellent domestic example of a German classic. A great after work, or after dinner drink. This beer is an excellent beer to sip and relax with during the cold, winter months. Another winner from Bell’s.

My previous experiences with this beer have almost been like a sweet barleywine, plenty of bitters over the maltiness. This time I sampled it from tap instead of from bottles, and it was a bit different. The hop profile was relatively low, and instead the malts and the sweetness were just that much louder (but it still wasn’t grossly unbalanced). LOTS of dark fruit came through the malts, especially cherry. A bit of nuttiness, a little roastiness, a little carmel and cream. Nice rich mouthfeel without being what I’d call syrupy. Very enjoyable, I love Dopplebock season!

A brownish head faded away too quickly for my liking above a light hazed, copper/mahogany body. Aromas start weak with caramel, cream & light hops. Nuts come out later with yeasts that appear as yogurt. Flavor gets bold with sweet, hearty malts finishing with a hint of cherry. Mid-bodied with a syrupy mouthfeel.

<font size=-4>Single bottle from <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/ViewUser.asp?UserID=1 cellar.<font size=-1>

From Bottle

Poured brownish. Big off-white head. Aroma was malty and sweet, w/ another note that I couldn’t pick up. Flavor had big honey, caramel notes. Slight hop bitterness in the back of my tounge. I also picked up spicy notes maybe from the molasses.

Pours a combination of maroon and mahogany with light head that fizzles out pretty quickly. Medium carbonation. Malt dominates the smell although alcohol is certainly discernable along with a vague whiff of spiced apples. This should be a doozy. Mouthfeel is medium consistency with only light carbonation. Very citrusy tang on the back of the tongue at finish. There was a lingering tingle on the back of my tongue for several seconds after swallowing this one, followed by a warming in the belly as the alcohol was welcomed into my gut. I hadn’t looked up the abv on this thing before drinking and the bottle offered no hints, but I could clearly tell that this was deceptively mild - a creeper if you will. Overall I felt this was a solid dopplebock, definitely underrated as per the average review, but I would be the first to admit it’s no match for the almighty Ayinger Celebrator.

Ruby body with floaties and thick, white head that is diminishing. The aroma is berries and caramel. The flavor is sweet ripe berries, caramel and toffee. Tart finish, chewy texture.