Southern Tier – Krampus
December 12, 2009 by Parker
Filed under Beer Reviews
Southern Tier – Krampus Imperial Helles Lager
THE POUR: Using a tulip glass as the label recommends (at 48 degrees), the pour is a golden amber, with light head retention. Lacing stays nicely on the glass as the head quickly dissipates.
THE AROMA: Very clean malty pine smell. Very nice aroma and is not overpowering despite a 9% abv.
THE TASTE: Very malty beginning, with smooth and dry hoppy bitterness. Well-balanced lager throughout. Again the 9% abv is hidden by the taste.
THE DECISION: Outstanding imperial lager. I am not all too sure what the “helles” is about, but it does not matter due to the clean malts blended perfectly with dry hops.
THE GRADE: A
From the label:
St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, is a magical figure, the bringer of girts and an icon of holiday spirit. Forgotten by most is his evil side kick and enforcer of ‘the list’…. Krampus hands out punishments to the bad. A fanged, goat-horned bully, the Christmas Devil uses sticks and chains to beat the naughty children… This season, replace the cookies with a bottle of Krampus. If he happens to pay a visit, toast to him with this devilish brew. Merry Kramp-mass to all, and to all a good pint!
