Beer 3 Ravens Ravenator Bock

One of the best received of 3 Ravens' limited run releases in 2010, the marvelously named Ravenator is back. Another to take its inspiration from Germany, this is a strong lager, one that was traditionally brewed dark, which is certainly the case here. Treated lovingly, as it should be, with a lengthy period of cool fermentation and maturation at the brewery prior to release, it's a beer from the Thornbury brewers to reward those who love their malts. On the nose, they come in the form of sweeter, caramel types, with a touch of roastiness, while in the mouth you'll find the likes of toffee and chocolate giving way to roast, coffee, even smoky notes and a long, lingering dry finish. A lager designed for the colder weather and one that the brewers claim should be poured with "an initial 'flourish' to activate the head". We recommend a triple salchow and curtsy, finished off by throwing your arms wide like Sgt Elias at the end of Platoon.