Moerlein Emancipator Doppel Bock

In Cincinnati, the name Christian Moerlein is synonymous with good beer but there was a rather large gap in that name over the years. Christian Moerlein had at one time the largest, most impressive brewery in Cincinnati. Then came the dreaded prohibition. The brewery was unable to recover from the beer ban and never returned to the beer scene after prohibition ended. Fast forward to 1981...Hudepohl began brewing Christian Moerlein as an all malt lager. I tried it and was rather impressed with its smooth easy drinking characteristics.

Well, fast forward again to Emancipator, this beer is designed for keeping you warm during the winter months. My mouth is still numb from the alcohol. The base flavors are molasses, toffee, chocolate and coffee that starts off with a sort of smokiness and ends sweet but not cloying. The overall texture and mouth feel of this beer is thick but not heavy on the tongue. Alcohol is a major component in the flavor of this brew. There are hops of no real mention other than their bitter presence. The color is dark brown and the head is a beige reminiscent of A&W root beer with a bit more staying power. While I think that there really is nothing wrong with this crafted beer, I must also say that while you are making such an effort to place so many fine ingredients together, the least you can do is make the effort at getting things to work together. This doppelbock is satisfying but in no way should it be mistaken for one of those smooth, dark beers that some brewers make. I will not say that this brew is in any way bad, but I feel that it can be better. I will still enjoy it and complain about it as that is in my nature and who can change that.

All in all, this is a very potent brew that will be enjoyed my many. It is just a shame that there are many beers of this calibre on the market and in order to get above the competition, there has to be unique and remarkable flavors that the beer drinker will remember and crave.

4.5 out of 5 points Not bad, could be better in my opinion though.