Wagner Valley Brewery is nestled in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, home to wineries and some of the most beautiful country found close to Buffalo. I had heard some really good things about their brews, especially this 8.5% doppelbock, and since doppelbocks happen to be one of my very favorite styles, I had to get my hands on some.

It poured a mucky, reddish-brown with a thin, quickly dissipating head. Despite how swiftly the head disappeared, this brew’s got legs. The aroma was lovely; molasses, bread and dark fruit (maybe cherries?) were present. Its malty-sweet aroma had my mouth watering for a taste.

When I poured the Sled Dog, it seemed thinner than what the mouthfeel presented upon taste. Full-bodied and smooth, with the perfect amount of carbonation to keep it from being viscous and instead, wholly enjoyable from beginning to end.

The aroma carried through in the flavor, with more focus on the sweet, slightly tart, dark fruit than the bread or molasses. I definitely taste cherries here. My nose did not steer me wrong. There is also a bit of hops in the finish of the sip, adding to the complexity of this doppelbock.

I really enjoyed this brew. I hope that one day I might be able to grab some of the Wagner Valley Sled Dog Trippel Bock too, especially since it’s one of Deron’s favorites.

Cheers!

TAGS [ BEER REVIEWS | DOPPELBOCK | WAGNER VALLEY | FINGER LAKES | SLED DOG ]