If you can get past the creepy-looking monks on the label, brandishing sheaths of barley and sporting a curiously masonic Tree logo, you’ll find this 2010 CBA gold-medallist well worth a tipple.
Tree should be congratulated for keeping the –ator suffix alive, a nice little tradition for doppelbocks around the world that started with the original, Paulaner’s Salvator, in the 17th century.
Captivator immediately captivates with its dark, dark clouded amber colour, which creates a stunning orange glow when light filters through it. Carbonation is relatively low, with a slight head that lingers on the surface.
A very sweet, concentrated-malt nose gives off lots of fruity notes of steeped berries and prunes.
It feels reasonably soft in the mouth, where the flavours have a more intense, toasted toffeeish tone, with subtle notes of fruit matched by biscuit and herbal hints, including a little aniseed. It finishes pleasantly and delicately bitter and dry with a subtle warmth – enough to turn your cheeks a little rosy and numb after a couple of glasses.
Released in late March, there could still be bottles of this to be had in select private stores and even some government outlets. Keep an eye out because it would go a treat with any roasted or barbecued pork dish, and the price is pretty decent for a big bottle of excellent strong beer.
Beer Cat: Interested
650ml, $5.05 in private liquor stores
jzeschky@theprovince.com
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