So last February (that would be in 2013) I bought a six-pack of Bell’s Consecrator Doppelbock Sherlock’s in Kennesaw, Georgia. It wasn’t what I went there for; they had called me to let me know that my Barrel Aged Bigfoot Barleywine and Green Flash Palate Wrecker had come in. Still, I really love Bell’s beers, and of course doppelbocks are my favorite style, and this was the last six-pack. So into my cart it went.

As I type, I still have a few bottles of that purchase kicking around. I only ever break one out now and then when I’m in melanoidin withdrawal, you see. The price of this beer ($14.99 a six-pack) really is the only negative, and limits how much of it I will buy, although I will say it is one of the few beers I am willing to pay that price for. When you come down to it, I can get original German examples of the style (like Salvator and Optimator) that are as good or better and $6 less a six-pack.

That said, I still love Consecrator, and when I saw that my local Taco Mac here in Canton had it, well, I couldn’t pass up on that. I’m glad I didn’t, either, because the beer is pure sin from the tap. Here’s what Bell’s says about the beer on their website:

Reddish brown in color with a mild hop profile, Consecrator Doppelbock is a well balanced, full bodied lager with hints of caramel and molasses in its smooth, malty finish. As with our other lager brands, Consecrator undergoes a lengthy lagering period. Unlike the 6 week profile of the other two brands, Consecrator experiences a full three months in the fermenting vessel, giving it an exceptionally smooth character.

Bell’s Consecrator Doppelbock has an alcohol content of 8% by volume and is released in February of each year. The brewery claims it has a six month shelf life, but my bottles are twice that age and still going strong. I paid $7.00 for my draft at Taco Mac, but this was for a full 20-ounce pour, so I don’t feel myself ill-used at all.

Bells Consecrator Doppelbock pours to a deep chestnut color with an absolutely amazing nose of dark toasty nutty malts. Taking a sip, the beer has a rich and full mouthfeel with more of the toasty nuttiness that the nose promised, and in greater intensity. I get a hint of molasses and a beer chock full of melanoidin goodness that is clean of fruity esters and finishes on the sweet side with just a hint of grassy hops, perhaps more alcohol warmth.

On tap? This is to die for, loaded with toasty nutty maltiness, molasses, and dark melanoidin goodness. Didn’t I already say that? I can’t say it enough. Only the six-pack price keeps it from a full five stars. If you love doppelbock, then you just hit the jackpot here Tiger.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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