I honestly don’t get the opportunity to sample a lot of doppelbock-style beers. I’m not sure if there simply not a lot of them out there, or if it’s just me (it’s probably me), but I’ll admit it’s a style I’m not terribly familiar with. Today I’m going to break that cycle and not only sample a doppelbock beer, but also an exciting new beer (doppelbock) coming from Magic Hat.The beer we’re cracking open today is called Fancy Grade from Magic Hat Brewing in South Burlington, VT. Yes it is a doppelbock, but as Magic Hat puts it, “this beer taps into one of Vermont’s sweetest natural resource”-- maple syrup. The beer will be part of the Humdinger Collection and proceeds from the sales will benefit Lake Champlain.
Fancy Grade is brewed with dark maple syrup from Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho, VT and I think you’ll find it makes for an interesting complimentary flavor for a doppelbock…so off we go.
Fancy Grade pours a deep amber brown color with loads of maple, biscuit and toffee aromas. In my nose I’m smelling pancakes, but I’m sure that’s just the maple syrup translation in my head. The mouthfeel is full bodied and the beer has an interesting slightly sweet complexity. There’s a real presence of maple syrup, but it’s not overwhelming, especially with the roasty and toasted biscuit flavors at the end. The beer leans a bit on the bitter side, with just the right amount of sweet malt and maple to balance it all out. Fancy Grade hits 7.8%-AbV & 17 IBU and the 16oz cans are the ideal package for enjoying one by the campfire. This beer is perfect for fall and full bodied enough to be satisfying all year round.
Fancy Grade is available now in 16oz canned 4-packs so get out there are try some for yourself..and when you do, be sure to let us know what YOU think.
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