kepano (239), Meudon, France Mar 11, 2008 2004 sample courtesy of my friend Chris (cquiroga). Turbid and brown like a glass full of mud, Kuhnhenn’s Raspberry Eisbock lacks any head, or indeed any resemblance to beer. The dense aroma strongly echoes that fact. An incredible scent filled with gallons of milk chocolate and raspberry coulis. The unctuous, decadent smells of rich caramel, marzipan and peanut butter crowd the nose. Hints of alcohol are noticeable but the subtle balance is well executed even amongst such opulence. Cherries, hazelnuts, almonds and blackberries provide additional complexity, further supplemented by hints of pumpkin, nutmeg, black pepper, touches of vanilla, Grand Marnier and coconut. The luscious, buttery fragrance is almost overwhelming. Milk chocolate reappears at the forefront of the palate, again in monstrous quantities and accompanied by a clean shot of cherry or blueberry liqueur. The flavor profile is similar to what is experienced on the nose, but somehow doesn’t reach the same climax, perhaps due to the alcoholic presence. Orange-flavored Pim’s cookies are quite apparent, followed again by coconut, marzipan and a staggeringly rich caramel finish. The long aftertaste dominated by chocolate, raspberry and a hint of licorice suggest a perfect topping for ice cream. Soft, smooth, malty. A fantastic and unique brew. (10/03/2007)
jake65 (1543), Williston, North Dakota, USA Jun 21, 2009 2007 bottle - thanks dmschefke. A rich aroma of raspberries fills the air as soon as the cap was popped. Pure amber pour with a thin beige head. Deep fruity nose is complete with chocolate and caramel, just like the description. Gorgeous. Tastes rich and balanced with a sweet and fruity core that doesn’t overly flaunt the raspberries. Nice amount of chocolate and creamy caramel. Deep candied sugar, vinous fruits, and a warming finish. A delicious and delectable dessert beer. I’d been waiting to try this for a while and exceeded all the hype. Stunning. garthicus (1040), Toronto, Ontario, Canada Jun 20, 2009 2004 bottle - Thanks to HogTownHarry. Appearance: Reddish coca cola with a teeny tiny white head. Aroma: Chocolate and cherry, raspberry and spices. Super. Flavour: Tart alcohol, raspberry a sneaky and beautiful chocolate hammer blow, sour and fruity, I keep sticking my tongue out upon drinking. Whiskey and wood, just a smashing long chocolate raspberry finish. Woah. I’m very impressed. HOPSHUNTER (225), Tampa, Florida, USA Jun 12, 2009 ’07 Bottle courtesy of pantanap. Poured a deep brown with a purple hue and a very small off-white head. Aroma is heavy with raspberry and spice, also present are notes of vanilla, wood, and booze (sherry perhaps). Full smooth mouthfeel, soft but pleasent amount of carbonation. Flavor is tart raspberry with notes of cocoa and toffee. Finishes dry and woody. Raspberry definitely dominates this brew but some strong spicy cocoa notes cut thru making it very complex. This really is a fantastic beer and quite unusual. Thanks Kan! kiefdog (1262), Tampa, Florida, USA Jun 7, 2009 2007 bottle courtesy of iceicebaby. Pours a plum brown with reddish highlights and next to no head. Aroma is sweet and malty -- almost smells syrupy -- with notes of ripe dark fruit, dark chocolate, some hints of raspberries, booze, caramel and toffee. Flavor is malty and tart with strong notes of chocolate, raspberries, brandy, port wine, sweet caramel and hints of ripe dark fruit. Lightly carbonated and medium to full body with a tart chocolate and cherry finish. What a nice beer. ditmier (729), Boise, Idaho, USA Jun 4, 2009 2007 Bottle - Thanks dmschefke! - Pours a murky amber with a tiny creme ring...aroma opens incredibly as it warms, dark berries, milk chocolate, butterscotch...flavour is astounding, cocoa and tart fruit that give off a slight spiciness...the higher alcohol is absolutely necessary to cut the richness...hard to say definitively if it’s worth the price because that’s a judgement call, but it’s a lovely beer to experience... porterhouse (1099), Alna, Maine, USA Jun 3, 2009 (187 ml bottle (2007) via trade with pantanap, thanks Kan!) Pours murky slightly grayish brown-red. Very slight biege head around the edges. Aroma is sourish-tart with berries and slight chocolate. Mouthfeel is fairly smooth, maybe a little heavier/thicker than most fruit beers, very light carbonation. Flavor of smooth chocolate and raspberry with a lightly tart sourish tang. ABV well-hidden (labelled as 11.7% I believe). Most impressive thing about this beer was a very unique, genuine beer taste - doesn’t happen that often with fruit beers. coharahawk (78), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Jun 1, 2009 Bottle thanks to iowaherkeye a little over a year ago. Pours a very cloudy reddish brown with some floaty stuff. Aroma has fresh raspberry, chocolate, toffee, and caramel. Flavor is sweet cherry and raspberry and dark chocolate. Finishes with a substantial alcohol burn and a nice thick and smooth texture. A unique and delicious dessert beer.
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