Monday Bloody Monday

Rather busy day today at work, and it won't be letting up anytime soon. Too many side projects going on along with normal day to day stuff. Thankfully the evening has arrived and a beer is sounding good.

The Beer: Southern Tier Krampus
The Style: Imperial Helles
ABV: 9%

Helles is a light German style lager which I've had previously and rather liked, but it's not something you really come across too often in the States, so my interest was piqued when I saw this Imperial (more alcohol, character, body, moar!) version from Southern Tier. The story behind the demon is interesting; in some Euro countries he is basically St. Nick's sidekick. Except he actively punishes kids who were bad throughout the year. Sorry Hans.

Pour is burnt orange, quite a bit darker than the non-imperial version. A nice bit of crisp, piney hops in the nose but otherwise quite subtle. Mouth feel is a quick explosion of spicy hops and malts with a bit of alcohol warming and fades just as quickly as it goes down. The larger the sip, the larger the spice presence. Finish is clean, with just a bit of lingering malt and hops. Alcohol presence is really subdued; this is one that could sneak up on you. Southern Tier is cranking out the hits, this is quite excellent.

Currently pairing with this song and this song