Review – He’Brew Jewbelation 12

From Shmaltz Brewing, makers of He’Brew – America’s smallest, biggest and most award-winning Jewish beer company, Shmaltz Brewing Company celebrates its 12th year of delicious beer and delicious shtick with the special release of the fifth incarnation of their award-winning “extreme” Chanukah seasonal, JEWBELATION: their 12th Chosen Beer in 12 years of Shmaltz. Coincidence? Destiny!! Rising to 12% alc, Jewbelation Twelve will bring a nearly miraculous warming glow to store shelves in 22 oz. bottles and a very limited amount of draft for select bars nationwide from October 2008 through March 2009.

Shmaltz Brewing Co. – He’Brew Jewbelation 12 – 22 oz. bottle poured into a New Belgium glass. 12% abv.  Purchased at Whole Foods Market Arroyo, Pasadena, CA.

Appearance: Black coffee with little to no head. No lace can be found after sipping, but this highly thick beer has legs.

Aroma: Dark malts, dark fruit, and chocolate moose.

Taste: A huge wave of caramel than a little bit of bitter hops. Then more caramel followed by some burnt smokiness.  After this brew warms up to room temperature, a lot of that huge caramel presence subsides and more fun flavors come out.

Mouthfeel: Buttery stickiness.

Overall: Tasty, interesting, sweet, and warming. Many beers tout many hops and many malts. While I don’t believe anyones tongue can pull apart 12 malts and 12 hops out of this beer, you can tell Shmaltz took their time crafting this beer, with complexity in mind.