Sinking The Bismarck
41% ABV beer is something seldom heard off, when I’m able to get my hand on it I wouldn’t want to miss this chance. I bought it for a whooping SGD$150 (around RM375) for a 375ml bottle, which make out to 1ml = RM1. Is it better then the single malt out there? Is it worth the money? Does it taste like beer? Non of the above question relevant when I purchase that bottle. In my mind is all about wanted get one bottle and try it.
The pouring of the beer is smooth and thick. Oily smooth texture that leave a nice legging on the glass. The aroma are sweet but not pungent while the beer is still cold. As it gets warmer, more of other flavour start to emerge including the alcohol vapour. Nosing the beer may spice up your throat. This beer is strong. The first entry is sharp with lots of alcohol, sweetness, grassy, roots and like hops of bitter. Can taste sweet and hoppy at the same time give a faint character of IPA.
Never tried beer that taste like this, more complex and rich in character. Slowly sipping is the only way to enjoy it. As the beer get’s warmer more character can be detected and more sweetness in floral and fruity on the throat. Plus the last bit is very syrupy.
Now I’ll answer the 3 question many asked me.
Is it better then the single malt out there?
Not really, they are different genre. More towards brandy but at the same time very different. If this beer would have age in a wood barrel then the complexity will be even more overwhelm.
Is it worth the money?
I don’t think is worth it but at the same time is kinda do. I still amaze that for such a short period a beer can be turn to something so complex and detail. Price why may not worth it, but for the effort of this beer – it does stand up high.
Does it taste like beer?
Nop, not at all. But do have some character of beer in it. Was hoping for a bit more or even better then Tactical Nuclear Penguin. Later when everything sink in, is just 2 different style and genre.
Verdict
I’m glad that I buy this and try it, it take away a lot of my curiousity of how this beer taste. Would I buy another bottle? Not too sure yet, still wondering about it. But one thing for sure, this type of beer really open up many new height of beer making. Interestingly, there’s just no limit of what beer can become. Who would have taught that beer can be this fun!
