Godless beer makes long-awaited journey to the States

[moobu2]

in the early part of fall 2008, a small Danish brewery, Bryggeriet Djævlebryg, released a new Imperial Stout titled, “Gudeløs.” Those translate to “Devil’s Brew” and “Godless” in English. The beer caused a small stir and even earned a few mentions in the mainstream press here in the U.S. despite only being available in Europe. Here is an old RateBeer thread for some context.

Flash forward 20 months later and that beer is now about to touch down in America for the first time. We saw last week how much attention one complaint can attract so it will be interesting to see if this stirs up controversy again. Though the name is in Danish and most people won’t know what it means, the brewery makes its intentions pretty clear with the label description:

“Devil’s Brew and the Danish Atheist Society have entered into an unholy alliance, and the result is ‘Godless’ – an ale brewed entirely without superstition. is an imperial stout with burnt and sweetish impressions, together with notes of licorice. To exercise social responsibility, Devil’s Brew donates one Danish Crown to the Danish Atheist Society for each bottle sold.”
The rough English translation of the society’s mission reads, “Atheist Company working for separation between religion and state in Denmark, so that all people be treated regardless of their religious views, and worldview.”
Religious views aside, this beer has above-average reviews for an Imperial Stout on RateBeer. It will be available in 500ml bottles beginning later this month, imported from the Shelton Brothers.




Link

[hughee99]

1. I don't know about it being "Godless", but if they're putting licorice in beer,

they can go to hell. n/t

[Jokerman]

2. If beer were my religion, licorice would be blasphemy. n/t

[dmallind]

3. Nope - licorice is a description of the taste

It's fairly common for winter seasonals and stouts but does not mean licorice is an ingredient. Usually it comes from certain malts roasted very dark (as does the color - dark beer has nothing to do with alcohol content or calories as some assume). Usually it's a very subtle component of the flavor. Licorice IS used in a few exotic Belgians but they throw a lot of weird spices into their beers. Some work out well. Others get overpowering. Some stouts and porters have it too but not necessary for that flavor (licorice is useful for improving the thickness of the head).

[m_welby]

4. they aren't putting licorice in it

It's a flavor description.

The licorice flavors come from the roasted malt (as well as the yeast strain) used. Something as big as an imperial stout will have a very complex flavor profile, stirring up all sorts of unique sensations on the tongue.

Sometimes raisins and coffee are also noted, that doesn't mean it's been added to the beer, just that the flavors are there.

[Flipper999]

5. Mmmm

It just said a hint of licorice. It shouldn't be overpowering.

Part of the reason I like absinthe is because of it's anise flavoring. I'd definitely be willing to try this.

[Tesha]

10. But if you drink enough absinthe, you can *SEE* God!

We've got a rather nice Suisse that we've been working through...

Tesha

[Silent3]

6. The only thing missing...

...is a picture on the label of Mohammad (sans bear suit) appreciatively enjoying a frothy mug of the stuff.

[rug]

7. Less filling.

[pleah]

8. Yum! I like beer!

Godless or otherwise! :evilgrin:

[AlecBGreen]

9. *drool*

Id like to get my hands on that!

My favorite stouts (besides Guinness of course :) )