Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock
Besides a few cups of good ole H2O every day, the only other liquids to make it into my body are coffee and beer. Any time, I can get those last two into my system at the same time (preferably in beer form), I’m a happy camper. So, it goes without saying that I was pretty excited to find a bottle of Dark Horse Brewery’s Perkulator on the shelves last November.
While most coffee inspired brews I’ve had are typically of the stout or porter variety, this is the first doppelbock that I’ve had that utilizes that magical little bean in its recipe. Perkulator is a 7% ABV beer that is brewed with fare trade organic coffee from The Ugly Mug Cafe out of Michigan. The result is a beer that has the traditional doppelbock traits of a solid roast and richness, but also a hint of coffee that lingers gently in the background. Perkulator is an interesting direction for a style of beers that I like — one that I would probably revisit again in the future.
Appearance
The brew pours a dark copper in color with a rocky, beight crown of foam.
Aroma
Rich caramel and a solid malt backbone lead the way for freshly ground coffee for an aroma that smells quite good.
Taste
Chewy malt, a light sweetness, caramel and light roast coffee mingle together nicely right from the start. The beer isn’t as rich or as sweet as many doppelbocks I’ve add, but the added earthiness from the coffee makes for an interesting experience. The brew is medium-to-full bodied and drinks smoothly with little hint of alcohol as a soft hoppy tingle lingers gently in the lasting finish.
Overall
Perkulator isn an interesting brew. It’s not quite in line with what I want out of the doppelbock style, but the addition of the coffee and increased earthiness do make for an interesting drinking experience. It’s a brew that I will more than likely revisit in the future — perhaps to compare with a more traditional take on the style.
Rating: 3.5/5
