Schilling Brucius Doppelbock! It is the third beer I have tried in the Schilling Doppelbock triumvirate. The first one I scored a few years ago, Schilling Weihnachtsbier Holiday Bock. It is not at all uncommon for German brewers to offer a Doppelbock as a Weihnachtsbier, which of course means Christmas beer. Indeed, one of the first Doppelbocks I ever tried was Wurzburger Hofbrau Weinachtsbier, a beer which, along with Samuel Adams Double Bock, started me down the road that eventually made the style my very favorite.
A few weeks ago, I tried Schilling Lentenbock for the first time, another classic Doppelbock. In my experience, Lentenbocks are usually pale bocks/Maibocks, Easter falling in April, which is tight next to May. Still, Lent begins in March, which is close th February, and January and February are the heart of Doppelbock season. Indeed, just before Lent begins in early March, Starkbierfest is celebrated in Munich, and you will find lots of Doppelbocks there.
So, while the latter two Schilling Doppelbocks are holiday offerings, Brucius is their regularly scheduled Doppelbock, if you will.
Schilling Brucius Doppelbock has an alcohol content of 7.3% by volume, Just above their Weihnachtsbier which has an ABV of 7% but below the Lentenbock, mightiest of the three at 8%.
About Schilling Brewing Company
Schilling Beer Co. is a modern European-inspired small-batch brewery centered on family, community, and excellence. Founded in 2013 by the Cozzens family and their long-time friend, John Lenzini - Michigan natives who moved to the North Country over 15 years ago - the Schilling name honors the Cozzens' beloved late grandfather, Dr. R.J. Schilling. It also reflects the continental European experiences and inspirations foundational to the design of our beers and brewery.
Tasting Notes
Schilling Brucius Doppelbock pours to a dark mahogany color with a thick creamy tan head and a nose of dark nutty malts and a hint of smoke. Taking a sip, the beer is medium in body, firm and chewy with nutty malts, burnt caramel and a hint of molasses. It screams dark nutty melanoidins, toasty with a hint of chocolate that combines with the molasses to suggest Whitman's Molasses Chews (I could eat a whole box of those). The beer finishes dry with earthy grassy bitterness.
Value & Verdict
I paid $6.49 for my can from half Time, which has no freshness dating. The best Schilling doppelbock of the three in my opinion, though you cannot go wrong with any of them. I can't wait to drink it again.
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