Beer Review- Capital Brewery Bier Stube

Ladies and Gents:
There are new beers in the Capital Brewery 12 Pack ( Bier Stube) Sampler! I am a big fan of Capital beers, namely the Blonde Dopplebock and Autmnal Fire. I bought a Bier Stube that included three beers each of the Wisconsin Amber, Island Wheat, and two surprises. Surprisingly we are being rewarded with the Maibock which is typically only released from February until April. This Bock pours a nice golden/amber color and smells malty with bread, caramel, and cinnamon hints. The taste is relatively light with a smooth almost cinnamon tasting finish. Typically I don't enjoy cinnamon flavors or smells in beer, but this is so delicious and almost refreshing that I can't help but enjoy it. This beer reminds me of the spring when the seasons change from winter to spring in Wisconsin. The birds fly back from the south, outdoor beers and campfires begin to appear. The temperature still isn't quite warm enough to throw back 12 Miller Lites while wasting away outdoors playing lawn drinking games; so I long for a fuller bodied, winter spiced beer that is warming and relatively light. The Maibock isn't for 90 degree summer weather, but I am fully down to drink a few more while they last. I am guessing that Capital had some Maibock left over and rewarded the customers with this interesting release.
Retails $11-15 per 12 Pack Bottles
6.8 % alc/vol

The other nice surprise in this sampler is currently the strong English styled Vintage Ale. This beer is somewhat hard to understand and even enjoy during my first few tastes. At first it reminded me of a Leinie's Creamy Dark or the Yorkshire ale Old Peculiar, both of which I enjoy. On the nose it has caramel, vanilla, and bourbon hints and pours a cloudy orange/amber color. It tastes heavy with toffee and caramel flavors. The finish has a strong vanilla smoothness and a bourbon/alcohol lingering effect that is actually quite tasty. The strong ale was listed in two different places at 8 % and 9.5% alc/vol which could explain the alcohol burn and bourbon notes regardless of which percentage it actually carries. It is a limited release that was sold in four packs in limited areas. Similar to the Maibock, the Vintage Ale isn't really a summer beer, but a treat none the less!

Anybody try either of these beers yet? What are your thoughts??

**Check out this easy and awesome recipe from Capital's Website**

Beer Cheese Veggie Soup

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 6 C chicken stock
• 1/2 C butter
• 3/4 C flour
• 1 1/2 C milk
• 1 bottle Capital Maibock
• 2 C cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 C minced parsley
• Salt and white pepper

Simmer onion, celery, and carrot in 2 cups stock until tender, about 20 minutes. In a large soup pot, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually stir in remaining stock. Add milk, beer, and vegetables to stock. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Before serving, add cheese. Cook slowly, until melted. Stir in parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.