"Andygator", a Helles Doppelbock

This offering from Abita is now on my list of new favorite beers. Andygator is a Helles Doppelbock, weighing at a hefty 8.0% ABV , 25 IBU's and only available in the 650ML bottle. Golden Straw in color, brewed with pale malt, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops, Andygator is not your traditional Doppel. Munich brewers started brewing "Helles" in the 1890s in response to the rising popularity of the Pilsner style beers of the time. They also feared that they would loose sales to the pale beers being brewed in other countries. Helles beers are not hoppy in nature. This is because of the high levels of carbonates found in the water from Munich. Carbonates will cause a hoppy beer to taste excessively harsh and bitter. Unlike reviews I have read elsewhere, Andygator does have a distinct sweet malt taste, in additon to a subtle fruit aroma and a dry finish. Don't let the term Dopplebock throw you off, other then the malt characture and high ABV this beer should probably be catagorized as a Hellesbock, or "light bock". Andygator is a light sessionable beer, great for the summer time. If you can't find it in your area always ask you local retailer to bring it in if at all possible.