Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

With my nose in the bottle I can smell a strong aroma of amber/caramel malts. Glory be to the beer gods! In a sizable mug with a confident handle, I poured an excited beer with an enormous head. Glory be to the beer gods!

Appearance is dark brown, almost black. Big head at first, but disappeared almost completely. That said, mahogany hints at the bottom help this beer look very inviting.  4/5

An aroma of burnt raisins, cold coffee, roasted grains, and very warm alcohol underneath all that goodness. This beer asks to be quaffed! Well, actually that we be a bad idea. Sip slowly...  4/5

Sweetness up front with a heavy dose of caramel malts. Bittering hops and alcohol hit the tongue on the back and the middle, respectively. Malty, malty, malty. Raisin bread, figs, caramel, hops for balance. Good stuff! 4.5/5

Feels slick in the mouth. Enough hops for the body which is frankly, heavy (anyone who says differently needs to take a break from beer). Alcohol lingers a bit, but solid. 4/5

Overall: 4.5/5 (very tasty!)

Notes: I finished reading Pete Slosberg's (Pete's Brewing Co, or from what I've read, formerly) book from the late 90s about his life and career revolved around beer, Beer for Pete's Sake, and in it he asserted that beer should be poured down the center of the glass. Now, I've heard about doing so when pouring a stout, but never before for all beer in general. According to Pete, it allows the carbon dioxide in the beer to escape into the atmosphere quicker, instead of first settling in your stomach (which of course leads to burps). Also, aromas are released from the brew that would not otherwise. That said, I don't know...I guess have to take issue with the idea. For example, a pilsner, a beer that typically puts forth a grassiness and dryness, would taste to creamy if given the chance to develop a humongous head by way of the down-the-center pour. While I agree with Pete in regards to the aroma intensification brought about by the technique, I just think every style of beer has, in general, a certain level of head or foam that is appropriate and that level plays an important role in showcasing a particular style and taste.

By the way, check Pete Slosberg's book out. I found it enlightening and I really enjoyed it.