Holy product placement, Batman.
I picked this up at Finger Lake Beverages the other weekend and didn't twig to this being a special release by Victory as it was not in the 22 oz bottle that usually screams special release. Here is the Victory press release which provides the facts on the style.
Whereas alt beer has been the crisp hallmark ale of Dusseldorf, surrounded and outnumbered by the myriad lagers of Germany, "sticke" alts are the "secret" offerings Dusseldorf brewmasters produce for their pub patrons on an infrequent basis. Stronger and richer than the standard alt beer, their release is typically announced with a simple sign that claims "sticke."There appears to be only one other doppelsticke alt listed on the whole Beer Advocate so this is a pretty rare style, except for those in secret relationships with Dusseldorf brewmasters. I, for better or worse, am not such a person.
The beer pours a deep red amber with a tan head with a strong malty nose. In the mouth the first small sip is massively malty like a Scots Heavy but just for a second until the hops kick in framing but not quite cutting the cloy with somewhat indecisive steeliness. Lots of sherry soaked fruit, dried fig and raisin as well as grapey freshness until the heat which expands and warms as it should for 8.5%. Really quite charming and one that would serve you well in a mid-winter blizzard. 98% of BAers approve.
