For one of the bigger players in the Kiwi brewing industry, Monteiths make some particularly high quality drops. They are, to draw Australian comparisons, like the James Squire of the South Island, and its excellent to see them on Australian shelves.

This special winter release aims to emulate the rich, dark ‘double Bock’ German dark ale style, which, considering my love of Bock, is immediately attractive. I think the attraction revolves around its rich malty warmth and alcohol kick (6% or so for this one) making for a beer that will never qualify as ‘sessionable’, but is such a satisfying, who-really-cares-whats-happening-outside-I’m-staying-here, ‘quiet ale’ beer of intensity and flavour.

On the palate, this is dry and warming, without obvious sweetness. After drinking a fair bit of the Harviestoun, which is much more of a stout style, this seemed quite lean and nowhere near as luxurious, but after bottle number two I think I had this figured out. It’s actually lighter, less smoky and chocolatey than a more classic stout style, with more bitterness and a drier finish making it slightly more refreshing and a little bit more amicable than the Harviestoun, though also a little less satisfying.

In the end, this is a finely made ‘big bottling’ brew, with much to like in flavour and style, even if I was wanting just a little bit more