Upstream Gladiator Doppelbock

Ok this one was one of the better efforts that we tried at the Old Market location. Not quite as malty as most traditional dopples, but still in the right vein. Great job hiding the ABV (9.2) on this one. It will sneak up on unsuspecting drinkers. Really came into its own once it warmed up a little. Nice brew overall.

On tap at the Old Market brewpub, 3/18/06: Mine was deep orange with a solid foam top. The beer is very sugary-alcohol based with a smooth finish. Good warmer for our March snowstorm in Omaha.

On tap @ Legacy Brewpub, 4/8/05. Amber orange and clear in the glass, much lighter than other doppelbocks I’ve had (Celebrator, Optimator). Medium sized tan head with compact bubbles diminishes to a dusting on the top and a thicker residue at the edges. Not much in the lacing/"racing" department. Smells malty, citric acid (like in an orange, not a lemon), and cedar-chip acidity; all the smells are faint in intensity, but appetizing. Not as bready as I would expect. Mouthfeel is very full, much fuller than I expected from the appearance. A bit of the 9.2% alcohol is noticable, but not distracting and carries well on the body. Malt and citrus up front; tangy, almost barely-wine like in the feel and flavor, that is until the finish, which is a nice level of bitter hops which bites with a delayed carbonation and lingers into a hard candy sweetness on the end. Not as bready or as "spacious" as better doppelbocks; it felt oily and claustrophobic, if that makes any sense. I would have liked it drier. It’s got some good things going on but overall, it’s not smooth/balanced/blended enough to be really good. It smooths as it warms, but it still doesn’t compare to better doppelbocks. In any event, it’s nice to see Upstream expanding their repetoire of styles.