Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock

Chocolate Bock poured a dark brown color with a finger width, tan head. The aroma is nice, mostly roasted malt with hints of chocolate. The body is the inverse of the nose. Tons of chocolate with a little roasted malt, and a touch of sweetness. Mouthfeel is smooth, with low carbonation. The finish is short and dry, with moderate bitterness.

Overall, a really nice beer, one of my new favorites from Sam Adams. The chocolate really shines, and works extrememly well with the velvety mouthfeel, and bitter finish. A complete beer that is balanced. blands well, and offers plenty, it is a shame it is not easier to find.

Flying Dog Wild Dog Collaborator Doppelbock

Collaborator Doppelbock is Flying Dog's latest beer in the Wild Dog series. Wild Dog is a series from Flying Dog that has consisted of their Double IPA in 2004, a Weizenbock in 2005, a Colorado Saison in 2006 and now the Doppelbock. The Doppelbock is unique in the fact that the beer was created through Flying Dog's Open Source Beer Project. Flying Dog combined feedback from the site and used it to create the recipe for this beer.
The beer poured a dark amber color with a thick, off-white foamy head. The nose was malty with a smokey note. The first palate consisted of malts and sweetness and progressed into a slightly dry finish in which the hops become apparent. The middle palate has a very smooth set of continuous malts and sugars. It is an enjoyable beer that is well balanced and extremely well made. Hats off to Flying Dog for this one.