Kulmbacher Eisbock - Kulmbacher Brauerei, Kulmbach

Eisbock is one of those anecdotal German styles that makes for a great story but is a love it or hate it beer for most people. Much like Rauchbier, the Eisbock style can be traced back to a legend about some seemingly unlucky turn of events that results in a new style of beer. In the case of the Eisbock, a barrel of Bock bier was left out in the elements accidentally. When the beer was retrieved the brewer scraped all of the ice crystals off of the top of the barrel and served the rest of the beer. As it turns out, only water was removed from the beer when it turned to ice and what was left in the barrel was a concentrated form of Bock beer. Bocks are normally around 6% alcohol and generally reddish brown in color, this Eisbock is just over 9% and almost pitch black...

Bocks are great, they're malty and taste like warm grains. Eisbocks have a much stronger flavor that can be rather harsh at times. This Kulmbacher Eisbock has a cherry chocolate aroma and flavor that seems eerily reminiscent of barrel aged beers I've had. The 9.2% ABV doesn't do much to differentiate it from some of those bigger beers, and for good reason. This IS a big beer. It's huge.

The flavors are great but a little taxing. This Eisbock finishes with an overly sweet maltiness that turns into a burnt, nutty flavor when it hits the back of your palate. The flavors aren't off putting, it's just not my idea of easy drinking on a nice afternoon. With such a high percent of alcohol you really have to commit to this beer, even if you only have a 12oz bottle. If you have a lot to get done and are looking to drink something that doesn't require your full attention, this beer isn't for you. But, if you're looking to try one of those anecdotal styles to satisfy some sense of accomplishment, by all means - knock yourself out.