A lot of things happened back in 2002. According to the nice little gift wrapping around this aged bottle of Aventinus (and history as well), it was the year the Euro came into existence and the year Jimmy Carter was awarded a Nobel Peace prize. It was also the year the final piece of debris was removed from the World Trade Center and Brazil beat Germany to win the World Cup. It also happens to be the year that this particular beer was brewed and put away to be enjoyed on this night six years after its slumber.
According to the tag that hung around the neck of the bottle:
Aventinus, the world's oldest top fermenting wheat-doppelbock, has received accolades for the perfect balance of fruity spiciness (banana, clove, vanilla) and notes of chocolate (crystal and dark malts).
In addition, the beer has demonstrated wonderful aging potential with aromas and flavors of softer chocolate, clay and sherry when aged for three years or more.
Therefore in 1999, the Schneider brewery decided to age 240 cases of Aventinus each year in their historical ice cellar in Kelheim with each batch held for a minimum of three years.
Pretty interesting stuff. Anything aged in an ice cave sounds pretty sweet and this particular beer is so great that I am excited to see what age can do and how it compares to a fresh bottle.
Pours a murky, muddy ruby red to brown color. Carbonation levels are surprisingly active and the head fluffs up to a few fingers in thickness before slinking away. Its definitely not a head as big and fluffy as that of the fresh Aventinus.
The smell is prunes, raisins, some alcohol and a bit of chocolate and caramel. There are also hints of raspberry, burnt sugars and some sour notes. There are so many smells to try and sort out. Every time you stick your face in the glass you'll get a different smell.
Taste is very smooth and a lot more mellowed out. The fresh apple juiciness that the fresh Aventinus has is not anywhere near as apparent with this aged bottle. Its more subdued and like caramel coated granny smith apples. Lots of sweet sugar, some bitter fruits, raisins and dates. Its a very complex beer with lots of layers of taste that seem to have developed with age. As this glass warms the adjectives start to pile up.
I'd be interested to see what a vertical tasting of this beer would yield. I also wonder if the three year old bottles boast some flavors that have since dissipated with the bottles that are six years old. I guess, I'll be on the look out for other vintages.
If you've had an Aventinus than you've had an experience thats hard to match. The aged version is an even more special experience as those great tastes have evolved and changed. Its a great way to form a comparison. The 2002 vintage Aventinus is just one more reason I love beer.
BEER FACTS
Name: Aventinus (2002 Vintage)
Style: Weizenbock
Brewery: Brauerei G. Schneider & Sohn
Location: Kelheim, Germany
Container: 500 ml. bottle
Malts: Crystal & Dark
Hops: ?
ABV: 8%
IBUs: ?
who doesn't like to open presents?
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