Hilltop Dunkelweizen

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Had a few pints with some of the Hampton Roads folks during a recent trip to Norfolk, and met up with James at the Hilltop Brewing Company one Monday night. A nice time was had, with a great bunch of beer-folks, and a selection of great beers -- including this newer one. While normally I tend to concentrate on the Guest Beers at Hilltop Brewing, this newer offering was recommended. And although I'm not a huge Dunkel fan, this was indeed a very nice beer to relax to.

Minimal head, which is standard for all of the draught beers at Hilltop I've found. Tanned and stained brown leather-like in appearance, with hints of maybe red or rust in the highlights. Classic Dunkle aroma: much "lighter" in the nose than you would expect from both a beer this (comparatively) dark, and with 7%ABV, too.

Quite easy in the mouthfeel -- again, not what you normally expect from a beer of this ilk. Palatable and noticeable maltiness, with an underlying layer of alcohol. Sturdy enough to support this, without getting tedious and tiring to drink. Enough Nobel hops (Tettnanager? Hauertauer?) to keep this balanced, but in no way detracting from the wheaty maltiness.

Probably not what I would have tried on my own, but in retrospect, I have to admit that I enjoyed this offering. Cheers to James for the company and the recommendation!
//TB

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 4 | Mouthfeel: 4 | Flavor: 2 | Overall: 2

I had this one at their brewpub, and it's in close competition with their Frog Grog for the worst beer they make. It looked ok, with a decent dark brown color, but the flavor was absolutely gross. A little like vinegar and very watery in body. Fairly sweet. I hope it was just a bad batch.