Since it is late on a Sunday night and I’m feeling lazy this is taken straight off the back of the bomber.

“St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, is a magical figure, the bringer of gifts and an icon of holiday spirit. Forgotten by most is his evil side kick and enforcer of ‘the list’. European tradition says while St. Nick is busy delivering presents to good little boys and girls, Krampus hands out punishments to the bad. A fanged, goat-horned bully, the Christmas Devil uses sticks and chains to beat the naughty children. Dark malts and aromatic hops create the diabolical spirit of this brew. It is finished with lager yeast and aged cold for no less than 30 days. This Imperial Helles Lager will warm even the darkest hearts. This season, replace the cookies with a bottle of Krampus. If he happens to pay a visit, toast to him with this devilish brew. Merry Kramp-mas to all, and to all a good pint!”

Southern Tier makes some great brews so I thought I would give this one a try in hopes that it would get me into the Christmas spirit. While it states that it is a Helles Lager I’m more inclined to classify it as a Helles Bock. Both are lagers, but the former is closer to a Pilsner. This beer is an amber color and uses Munich, Caramel, and Debittered Black Malts rather than Pils Malt.

It is an imperial because the hoppiness and ABV are higher coming in at 9.0%. There is a smooth lager quality to it that gives a smooth finish. The bittering hop used is Chinook which imparts a piney note that compliments the caramel overtones. It is dry hopped with Willamette hops that add an earthy floral bouquet. The aftertaste leans more towards the hoppy side, but it is close to being pretty well balanced. My overall evaluation: good, not great.