Shmaltz 2009 Year in Review

Rejewvenator Shmaltz Brewing Co. San Francisco/New York The brewers at Shmaltz are always up for something weird and wild, and this is no exception. It’s described as 1/2 Belgian-style dubbel, 1/2 double bock, and date juice.

Overall, it leans toward a double bock, but what a double bock! Redolent with fruit and caramel aroma, flavor is rich and sweet with layers of Munich malt, candi sugar—and date concentrate! “All sorts of aromas,” said Gregg Glaser, “fruit and sugar.” “Nice malty nose, with a touch of cane sugar,” said Marty Juliano.

“Some malty sweetness, some fruit sweetness and a little floral hop,” said Gregg Zannella. “So much sugary sweetness,” said Robert Lachman. “Sweet sticky mouthfeel, with some burnt molasses, and some fruit from the dates.

I think it needs more alcohol to burn off the sugars.” “Wild stuff,” said Marty Juliano, “but I kind of like it. You can’t say it’s not different.”