Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock

Brewed by Weissbierbrauerei G. Schneider & Sohn
Style: Eisbock
Kelheim, Germany

Must be approached almost like a Belgian. Unlike Trappist ales, the Eis-Weizenbock does not rely on the addition of spices, sugars or non-malt ’adjunct’ grains. It is all in the yeast and craftsmanship. It has all the strength, warmth, fullness of aroma, and persistence of flavour as Chimay Bleue and perhaps even seemed better in some aspects - more rounded-out fuller and smoother in the way Achel Extra is. It’s all different though - It still has the signature lightly acidic ’tang’ of good cleanly-brewed German wheat beers, making it very original. I wish the German Monastic breweries would get in on making this style! The aroma from the empty glass stays in the room for a long time. It is great warm or chilled, and so could be enjoyed much in the way people drink dessert wines such as Muscat, Tokaji, Sauternes or Eiswein at many times the cost. Try it "Vin Santo" / Tuscany style, warm with some biscotti after a meal & see what you think.

330 mL bottle. Chestnut brown with a nice, lingering beige head. The aroma is heavy on the raisins and dried fruit. Some spice in there too. The taste . . . Aventinus times two, basically. Possibly the fullest-bodied beer I’ve ever tried. Can’t wait ’til this shows up in the LCBO.

500ml bottle from the LCBO for less than $4! On the nose the eisbock reminded me a little of trois pistoles, and some of the other high alcohol unibroue beers, with a deep ripe fruitiness wafting upwards. The body is an odd murky brown colour with a tinge of burgundy, and it sits under a constantly replenished off-white head. The flavour was very intense and fruity, with a huge warming finish. The alcohol seems reasonably well-integrated into the drink, but nonetheless hits pretty early. Thick, almost syrupy, mouth feel, with aggressive carbonation exploding flavour on the taste buds. A nicely souped-up version of the regular Aventinus, but it loses points because I couldn’t imagine being able to drink too much else after polishing off a half liter of this.

330ml bottle. Dark brown-black color, with just a tinge of deep burgundy. Deep pungent aroma. Rich and malty, with very subtle chocolate malt tastes along with the banana-like favors of the weizen yeast. The alcohol is completely complimented by sweetness of the malt, reminiscent of a dark Belgian strong ale.

very good, but it’s too strong compared to it’s perfect less strong sibling

.33 l bottle. 2006. Bottle # 22139. Pours a muddy brown with a light tan head that became a dense film at about mid-glass and lasted until the end. Very nice aroma of caramel, brown sugar, figs and alcohol. The flavor is initially sweet figs, caramel, and a bit of brown sugar, followed by an earthy peat flavor. Some definite alcohol heat at the finish reminiscent of the finish on a sip of scotch whiskey. The heat does not interfere with the other flavors. Dense, almost syrupy mouthfeel. Really good - wish I had another put away!

Very complex and spiced flavor, with a perfume-like smell. The malts have a roasted flavor, while the hops are very subtle. It also had a sweetness that is hard to describe. A heavier beer, but wonderful all on its own.

Bottle. Malts have moderate notes of dark bread and toasted, hops have a light perfume and herb smell, and yeast has a moderate to heavy barnyard, musty and earthy smell to it, with brown sugar, dates and alcohol. Head is large, frothy, off white, has fair lacing and is mostly lasting. Color is hazy brown. Flavor starts moderateky sweet and lightly acidic, then finishes lightly acidic and very lightly bitter. Palate is medium, creamy and has a lively carbonation. It finishes lightly alcoholic. A bold beer with nice wheaty/yeasty overtones.