Samichlaus

At 14% alcohol, Samichlaus is one of the strongest lagers in the world. It's name means Santa Claus in Swiss German and it is brewed only once a year on December 6th (Saint Nicholas' Eve). Switzerland is one of the few countries that separate the celebration of Santa Claus from the celebration of Christmas. Samichlaus is stored in a cold Alpine cellar, aging for 10 months before being bottled. I could continue describing the fermentation process, but I'd just be plagiarizing this article written by Michael Jackson in 1991. Damn "Beerhunter" and his wealth of knowledge.

Samichlaus (2007) pours the color of dark honey with a small, off-white head (that dissipates rather quickly). It has a very rich, savory aroma of red wine, olives, cured meats and a hint of hops. Wow, the flavor is sweet and full-bodied and delicious. Tons of flavors...fresh baked bread, raisins, honey, malt. It has a nice, long, malty finish. After finishing the bottle, I might feel like I just drank a loaf of bread, but seriously...who doesn't want to drink a loaf of bread? (Now you know what to get me for Christmas.)

Samichlaus
Is it delicious?: A+
Is it interesting?: A-
Drinkability: C