This Samichlaus was bottled in December 2017, and five years seemed about enough time to wait before opening. It may not call itself a doppelbock, but that is more or less how it presents. It's a rather concentrated affair at the best of times and its long repose had only enhanced the intense raisiny port character. Port or sweet sherry is also brought to mind by the notes of vinous oxidation that shimmer in the background, while thick treacly tobacco and caramel make up the main event. For all its 14% ABV its not all that boozy, or at least not unpleasantly so, retaining a sense of digestibility you might expect from one of the better abbey or Trappist brewers.
So at last concludes the festive wrap-up, the rest of the glasses being filled with pils and pale ales already described here.
