Livery Bourbon Barrel Aged Liverator Doppelbock

Brewed by The Livery
Style: Doppelbock
Benton Harbor, Michigan USA

On tap, both at brewery and Michigan brewer’s guild fest. Dark brown like a light stout or dark porter with a thin to almost no tan head. Much more in the mold of a Celebrator Doppelbock, than the more common sweet bock style, in aroma as well as appearance. Fruity dark malt character (prunes, etc.) some roast is present, but no off-aromas. Prunes, plum and a nice vanilla to oaky bourbon subtlety. I cannot believe how well the bourbon integrates with the rest of this beer. Somehow, Steve has made this capture the vanilla above and beyond any other aspect of the bourbon, and it works perfectly with this style of doppelbock (especially when that doppelbock seems like a humdinger as well!). Light low carbonation, which feels appropriate. Not super thick, but certainly not watery in any way. Fruity with a nice little range of esters. Dark malt character in the back. A dry lingering bourbon vanilla subtlety. Dry prunes linger. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a more judicious use of a bourbon barrel. I have to agree with the brewer, Steve, this is even better than the bourbon barrel aged trippel weizen bock! If this were bottled, I’d drink this at least every other week, and I seldom have the same thing twice a month.

Draft @ the Brewery. Dark brown with a small head. Aroma has a large helping of bourbon/wood with a hefty sweetness that comes from big roasty malts, dark fruits and vanilla. Flavor has lots of boutbon and wood, vanilla, oak, plumb, brown sugar, and other sweet flavors. Tasty, but the taste couldn’t quite live up to what I was hoping for. Still a great beer.

Tap at brewery: Very deep brown with minimal head but had some oily legs. The nose detected noticeable bourbon and vanilla vapours along with prune, anise, toffee, dark bread, and classic German hops. The taste first develops a rich toffee malt character with a bread background. There are heavy bourbon notes on the finish and is surprisingly dry and mostly clean which kept the beer balance in check. The mouth feel is medium weight, biting and slightly warming. Yet another wonderful brew by Steve. I will be going back for a growler or three.

No doubt the highlight of our visit. Distinct,almost sharp whiskey aroma,but not so dominant that the rich dark caramel,molassas doesn’t come through, taste is again a slap of lively full force bourbon,with is wonderfully backed by very evident rich dark malt,certainly some sweetness there,and a quality whiskey finish. Obviously some excellent barrels used here,should improve with age

Shared by GoT. Nicy oaky tannins with caramel malt beneath. Somewhat of an acidic finish. Alot of barrel character, not alot of doppelbock character, but its very good!

Thanks to BBB63 for the growler Clear brown color, malty nice bourbon highlights with vanilla, it’s very tasty

Draft sample at 2009 MBG Winterfest. Poured dark reddish brown with a moderate light brown head that diminished slowly with good lacing. Good caramel toasted tart fruit and b ourbon barrel aroma. Medium body with a sticky texture and flat carbonation. Good well balanced woody bittersweet flavor with a moderate smooth bittersweet finish of long duration. Standout doppelbock.

Dark black pour nice tan head, good lacing. Light bourbon aroma some butters and a touch of vanilla, some alcohols are quite prevelant but not bad a light wheat like grainy aroma over a touch of roastiness. Palate is full and well coated, lightly creamy. Flavor is delicious huge sweet tastes, definately a wheat beer, great bourbon that doesn’t dominate w/ some light vanillas.