AleDog

I tried my first Schmaltz bomber purely out of respect for their pun-inspired “He’Brew” label, not expecting it to be good. Wow, was I wrong. I’ve yet to encounter a Schmaltz product that wasn’t at very least, extremely good. So when my liquor store guy told me about a shipment he just received of the Jewbelation Fifteen, I was all in. I poured it from its bomber into a standard pint glass expecting a normal dark ale color and was intimidated by its slow-as-molasses, black-as-tar, stout-like pour. And yes, this is damn near a stout – and in a great way. At 15% ABV, this beer is going to knock you on your ass – but flavor is actually what its all about. The strong alcohol taste is just enough to let you know you’re drinking something big, but actually overshadowed by very welcome notes of caramel, chocolate and fruits. These tastes remain on your palate long enough to be thoroughly enjoyed, but not so long as to feel like they’ve been permanently painted to your tongue. I’d recommend sharing a bomber with a friend as finishing one yourself is going to leave you tipsy and very full, but that’s nothing to knock the Jewbelation Fifteen about. This beer is absolutely fantastic. MF.

Grade:  A