Hurlimann Samichlaus

Formerly brewed at Hürlimann (Feldschlösschen)
Style: Doppelbock
Zürich, Switzerland

Bottled in 1995: Looks like thick dark apple cider, and smells very malty, with a very present sense of alcohol. Very fruity odor, laced with some wood characteristics, chocolate and cinnamon. Flavor is toned down a tad with the amount of alcohol taking over somewhat. Bottled in 1996: I can't really tell a difference between the years, becuase i unfortunately waited almost a month to drink the 96. I'm sure it was present in the other bottle, but this does ideed have a strong sweetness hidden within it that I am enjoying now.

1996 vintage. What a treat. The aroma carries with it all the complexity of a good English christmas cake and more--dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries), molasses, whisky, oak/woodiness, mustiness, chocolate, and a hint of licorice. It is not the most syrupy in appearance, but it does have some interesting and irregular things going on in it as carbonation tries to break free of this thick concoction--in particular, there was a small fizzing in a small circle about the size of a dime occuring in the center of the glass (I used a Chimay glass for this, I hope that wasn't an inappropriate choice). The flavor adds some plum character to it, plus some hay-in-an-old-wood-barn. While the alcohol is undeniably there, I don't think it overwhelms the complexity. There is a lingering dark chocolate bitterness in the finish. Somehow it only took a few good sips before the alcohol was hitting me hard--perhaps the sugars make this particularly fast absorbing. There are occasional moments when the flavors are distinctly challenging or unique, and there is no doubt to my mind that this is a beer with an exceptional amount of interest to offer and definitely worth tracking down. A huge thanks to my bud, Jazz88, for this bottle--boy, do I owe you a debt of gratitude!

4/26/03: bottle.
vintage 1996. nice brown to ruby body with no lacing. sweet malt with sour apple tones in the nose. wowzers! there is truly a plethora of flavor going on. malt, syrup, banana, molasses and even some coffee tones. this beer leaves a heaviness on your tongue.

I might be odd man out on this, though I do have a different opinion from years ago grabbing one out of a warehouse and attempting to slam it. Nice chocolate notes, sweet/malty, but I did think the alcohol was still a bit out of balance. Oh, to have a case from way back ...

1994 Vintage. Dark red/brown w/ lots of "floaties." Very little carbonation w/ almost no head. Very full, sweet nose w/ molasses, toffee, pit fruit (plums, prunes) & brandied christmas cake. Thick, chewy body. Very sweet flavour again with molasses, prunes, plums, brandy, & christmas cake. Unfortunately flavour also tends to be cloying.

1996: Pours a murky dark copper brown with little carbonation. Complex thick, malty aroma. Body is very sweet and malty with a viscous fruity complexity. Chocolate chip cookie flavor is balanced with a light caramel bitterness. This masks its alcohol very well but is a little too sweet.

1996 Vintage: Very dark red in color with virtually no carbonation. A very rich, sweet nose. Alcohol is present, although not annoying or detracting. Caramel, molasses, soy sauce, brown sugar all present. Extreme complexity and a wonderful drink.

This is the only beer I will ever rate from complete memory, but it made such an impression on me, it must be done.
" Warning: You can only drink 1, it is very potent!"
It was a few years ago when I had this Vintage 1995 Swiss beer but I will never forget it. It was dark amber, and had the aroma of chopped almonds. My first impression is always to compare it to a brandy or cognac when tasting this rare delicacy. I paid about $25 for a four-pack, but for a beer that is only brewed one week out of the year, it is worth every penny.