Works Every Time
When I think of a “malt liquor”, I generally think of King Cobra, St. Ides and Colt .45. I generally do not think of a dopplebock brewed in Austria. But because of a high alcohol by volume, this week’s “Drink of the Week” is classified as a malt liquor in the United States. I had my yearly fix of Samichlaus at the Arbor Brewing Company’s holiday ale tasting last night.
Samichlaus is billed as the strongest lager in existence, weighing in at 14% a.b.v. The smell is almost rum like and the mouthfeel is syrupy and a little heavy. The strong alcohol doesn’t obscure the malty sweetness as the alcohol taste hits you upfront before mellowing out into a nice caramel flavor. The finish is dry and leaves a lovely lingering taste of malt in one’s mouth.
This beer won’t be around long, so check your favorite party store to see if they have it in stock. And next time you are chilling with Billy Dee Williams give him a taste—I bet he’ll agree that Samichlaus “works every time”.