He'Brew Jewbelation 14 Review
As we've mentioned in past evenings of this holiday, the beers in the Shmaltz He'Brew Vertical Jewbelation pack increase in alcohol corresponding with the anniversary each beer was brewed for. Tonight's is Fourteen, which means 14% abv. Luckily in Boston it's freezing the evening, so a bit of alcohol warmth is just what we need!
He'Brew Jewbelation 14
Appearance: Jewbelation 14 pours a dark, opaque brown in the middle with tinges of clearer brown around the edges. While this is the highest alcohol by volume for any of the Chanukah beers, it's definitely not the darkest. A 1/2 inch of tan head forms on top and quickly recedes, most likely from the high alcohol content of the brew.
Smell: The alcohol definitely shows in the nose of this one but, like the fine craft beer it is, it doesn't dominate. Prune and dark fruit pervades the smell, with some fig in there it seems. This is definitely not a hoppy beer, the toasted malts really show through in a great smooth aroma.
Taste: Again there's a prune-like, raisiny flavor in this brew. The alcohol, as mentioned before, definitely shows through... but at 14% abv, what can we expect? On a night as cold as this one the alcohol warmth is nice as long as it's not too strong, and this one isn't. The hops are really only here to prevent the beer from being cloying, which could easily occur with a beer this big. Some of the darker roasted malts give this brew a chocolate or cocoa like flavor, and the high alcohol really lends to a dry finish that doesn't have the chalkiness that some beers like this can have if they're not sweet. Overall, this is a tasty beer and a great one to split with family! 14% abv goes a long way, so make this a sharing beer.
This is Shmaltz's current anniversary beer and, given the alcohol, we're interested to see how 15 comes out next year. Will they keep increasing the alcohol every year? When does it stop? Only they know! Keep a look out for this whole series to come to a head tomorrow evening when we post our review of He'Brew Vertical Jewbelation, a blend of all seven beers we've reviewed so far aged in Rye Whiskey barrels. We can't wait! L'Chaim!
