A Lump of Krampus
Brewery and Country of Origin: Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg of Eggenberg 1, Vorchdorf, 4655, Austria
Date Reviewed: 12-10-13
In America, if a person is on Santa's naughty list, they usually receive a lump of coal. To us, this never seemed like such a bad thing because the overall price of fossil fuels has been steadily increasing. And when this Christmas tradition was conceived, there was no central heating, so being naughty could actually keep you alive in the dead of winter. But if you're a spoiled kid who knows of no real repercussions for his or her actions, perhaps you shouldn't read on. Well, if you're a child, you probably shouldn't be on this website to begin with. Anyway, we all know of the Abominable Snowman, who is currently employed at Santa's workshop as a tree star topping manager. And then there is the Winter Warlock, who is now just simply, the winter season. Both of these once evil entities are now helping society with some of their biggest problems in purely benevolent ways. But there is one evil creature who is doing his bit in a less orthodox way. His name is Krampus, and he is essentially the opposite of old Saint Nicholas. Naughty American kids who receive coal for Christmas are essentially blessed that they live in a country without Krampus.
This doppelbock is brewed in Austria, the second home of Krampus (after Germany). Each year around this time (officially Yule season), Krampus builds his fame by kidnapping naughty children, throwing them in a big sack, dragging them back to his lair and, well... doesn't do nice things to them (they're usually relegated to live in hell forever). Occasionally, he'll decide that a kid is on the fence, so like American Santa, he too gives them coal. He and Saint Nick work together, rewarding good kids with presents and capturing bad kids. And Krampus is as ugly as his name sounds. He is a hairy beast like figure with twisted goat horns, a long Gene Simmons like tongue, crooked teeth, and an overall devilish appearance and demeanor. There have been legal bans on portraying him (Chancellor Dollfuss), and many Austrian psychologists believe that his character can be too traumatizing for small children. Still, because of the way many entitled tweens are today, we'd like to believe that Krampus is out there, delivering justice. He doesn't have to appear so evil if there are no evil children, right?
Date Sampled: 10-24-13 At: 7 Prescott Place, Allston, Boston, MA 02134, USA
Beer Style: Doppelbock
Alcohol by Volume: 8.50%
Serving Type: 330 ml Bottle, 16 oz Tumbler Glass
Rating: 2.95