Shiner Commemorator - Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner

I've seen bottles of Shiner's Commemorator floating around for what seems like an eternity, though it's probably only been a year. After the novelty of seeing a new beer on the shelves wore off I started to just tune this bottle out and I've overlooked it long enough. I've finally gotten around to the Commemorator and it's about time... Considering the popularity of Shiner Bock, I've got high hopes for this Doppelbock. You get the sense that this beer is a big deal for Shiner, as the name would indicate - it's commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Spoetzl Brewery. There was really no other style the Shiner folks could have put in this bottle, it had to be a Doppelbock.

This beer pours a rich copper color, clear bodied and develops just a small head. So far so good, it looks just like a Shiner Bock. The aroma is similar too, if just a little sweeter. The flavor of this Doppelbock is where it really shines. There is plenty of Bock flavor in this beer, but when you first take a sip your palate is hit with a strong sweet and spicy rush. The flavor is great, it isn't too strong in flavor or in alcohol content. This is a great way to quench your Doppelbock thirst if you're only willing to commit to 12oz of beer. If you've procrastinated longer than I have, you're missing out.