Saint Brewis

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Excel Brewing Company – Böse Roggen

Brewery: Excel Brewing Company
Location Breese, IL
Style Schwarzbier
 ABV 4.8%
 IBUs 30

 

Best Quote During Tasting

I haven't pooped myself in years!

Justin:

Aroma - Chocolatey sweetness.  Roasted but not coffee-like.  Slight caramel.  The rye isn't there at first but it enters the game after it sits out for a minute.
Score: 10/12
Appearance - Ruby highlights when held at the right angle.  Other than that, it's a deep black with a soft, tan head.
Score: 3/3
Flavor - Spice from the rye is right something you get right away.  Compared to the aroma, the chocolate is actually quite subdued.  I was surprised when I tasted faint toffee next to some more expected roasted malts.
Score: 17/20
Mouthfeel - Medium-high carbonation. Medium-full bodied. Finishes semi-dry.
Score: 4/5
Overall Impression - Excel is located in a small town (Breese, IL) that I've only ever heard of because my sister married a guy who grew up there.  I visited there once and it was off the beaten path to say the least.  It might be for that reason that I had low expectations going into this one.  However, I can say without a doubt that the beer more than met them.  With it being a lager, there was a lot of room for the malts to shine and they didn't disappoint.  The chocolate rye malt was a pleasant twist on a Schwarzbier and is something that feel I have to use next time I brew.  I don't know what beer I'll make with it but a clone of this one doesn't sound bad.
Score: 8/10

 

Blake:

Aroma -  Not too far off from what'd you smell opening a Hershey's bar. The chocolate malt really shines through in the aroma. 
Score: 10/12
Appearance -  Black with deep amber highlights when held to the light. Tan head that dissipates slowly. 
Score: 3/3
Flavor - The chocolate is still very present, but is subdued to let through the roasty flavors of coffee through.  A little kick of spice from the rye finishes it off quite nicely.
Score: 17/20
Mouthfeel - Medium body and carbonation with a semi-dry finish. 
Score: 4/5
Overall Impression - I had this last year for the first time when Excel came to a local beer club at Iron Barley. I liked it then, and I like it even better now. It's a beer that's full of complex flavors but won't tire your palate out, and goes down easily. Excel has quietly been doing some great stuff lately. Look out later for a review of one of their phenomenal bombers. 
Score: 8/10

 

Böse Roggen Final Score
  • Aroma
  • Appearance
  • Flavor
  • Mouthfeel
  • Overall
4.3
User Rating: 2.0 (2 votes)
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Justin Phelps

Justin Phelps

Co-Founder at Saint Brewis
Justin Phelps is a Certified Cicerone® who was born and raised in St. Louis. His passion for beer goes beyond just drinking it as he is also an award-winning home brewer. While he may be a marketing professional by day, he's a blogger, brewery hopper, and beer enthusiast by night.

Comments

  1. I thoroughly enjoy this beer. Ive had our several times. The chocolate is not very strong and the coffee Is not overwhelming

    Reply

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