Sly Fox Instigator Doppelbock

22oz bomber from Whole Foods, Bowery. Reckon this one’s been aged about a year. A very potent aroma (yeast, molasses, caramel, roast nuts) wafts atop a handsome copper brew - moderate carbonation, no lacing or head really. Crisp hops make it a pleasant drink, and balance things out in a way I find pleasing in this style (as opposed to the soupy ones). Not quite as complex as one might ultimately hope for, but this is a solid doppelbock.

It has a very dark/amber color with a good head that fades away quickly. Ok lacing to it. Very sweet malty smell to it. It has a very sweet taste to it. A little bitter, but more sweet and sour then bitter.

22-oz bottle received as a gift from Ernest. Pours clear brown with a small, fizzy, light brown head, diminishing with spare lacing. Aroma is average malt (caramel, cookie, nutty), light hops (grass), moderate yeast (earth, leather) with notes of dates and alcohol. Medium bodied, thin texture, light carbonation, and a metallic finish. Average duration, moderate sweetness, light acidity and bitterness.

Draft at Phoenixville. Pours mahogany with a small off white head. Aroma of caramel, sweet esters, and dark fruits. Flavor of dark caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar. Finish is a tad dry and smoky. Not mind blowing, but decent enough to drink again.

Bottle. Pours a deep opaque ruby when held up to the light. Aroma was cherry and alcohol. Similar to that of sloe gin. Taste was a bit oakey but for the most part the taste was indistinguishable. It was not the most pleasant doppelbock. Palate was somewhat flat and thin.