Coney Island Human Blockhead

Today I'm drinking Coney Island Human Blockhead brewed by Shmaltz Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs, New York. As usual, part of the fun and gimmick with these beers is the label. This one depicts the "Human Blockhead" as he uses a hammer to hit nails into his own head. They bill this one as a "tough-as-nails lager". There's a little story on the side that correlates this beer to its namesake. You can read it below.

Sweet caramel and toffee aroma, with some dark cherries soaked in rum. And trust me, I had more than my share of rum in the past few days. Nice aroma. That sweet caramel makes its way over to the flavors as well, and you start out with a nice smooth texture. That calm beginning is shaken almost immediately as the 10% alcohol takes some stabby hot alcoholic jabs at your palate. Raisins and plums come next, immediately covered by more of that alcohol, with a little shiver to go along with it.

There is definitely a hoppy component that bitters up the initial sweetness. There are good flavors, but this is way too boozy and harsh with the alcohol. No disguise whatsoever. I wish they had a circus freak to take on that challenge. I didn't finish the 22 ouncer. I actually didn't even drink more than a third of the bottle. I guess one day I'll learn to skip the gimmicks. Pass!

Beaver Brand Coney Island Hot Dog Mustard, 12.5-Ounce Squeezable Bottles (Pack of 6)

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