The Devastator

Beer: The Devastator
Brewery: Wasatch Beers, Park City, Utah
ABV: 8.0%
Style: Double Bock
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12 oz

Impression: Wasatch offers a high alcohol content beer offset by a nicely balanced flavor profile in The Devastator, an easy drinking German-style lager. This double bock boasts tons of malty flavors and almost bready aromas that eventually give way to an elegant resin like mouth coating. This coating acts as a pleasant continuation of the flavors dancing on your taste buds after the wash of suds has receded down your gullet. I also detect light roasted notes accompanied by mild caramel flavors and a general sweetness, but the sweetness is not overbearing. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this beer is the color. It has a deceivingly light brown hue that masks the sheer thrust of this 8% monster. The provocative imagery on the label aside, this is a serious beer that Wasatch can certainly take pride in. If you enjoy strong drink that goes down with ease than I strongly recommend The Devastator.

Josephs Brau Winterfest

Beer: Winterfest
Brewery: Gordon Biersch (for Trader Joe's) Palo Alto, California
ABV: 7.5%
Style: Double Bock
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12oz

Impression: This is an unbalanced bock with strong alcohol on the finish. There is an off flavor that I can't quite place, almost like pulpy paper. Each sip finishes with too much malt and the poorly matched hopping resulting in a bitter syrup mouth coating. Essentially they compromised the construction to achieve the higher alcohol content. This is unfortune because for the $2.99/6-pack clearance price at Trader Joe's this beer could be a steal. However, if you just want a cheap buzz and don't care about enjoying a well crafted beverage this beer is for you. Honestly I would rather drink a Mickey's 40 oz.