Abita Brewing’s Indygator is their take on a Helles Doppelbock, a style that blends the rich, malty goodness of a doppelbock with the lighter, crisper vibes of a Helles lager. Right off the bat, it’s clear this is a brew meant to make an impression, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s crack it open and find out.
First Impressions
Pouring it into the glass, Indygator comes through with a beautiful golden-amber hue that practically glows in the light. There’s a thin, creamy head that dissipates fairly quickly, but it leaves a delicate lace around the glass. It smells like you’ve just walked into a bakery…sweet bread, caramel, and a touch of honey waft up. There’s also a subtle floral hint that balances out the malt-forward aroma.
Taste and Mouthfeel
The first sip hits with a wave of malty sweetness (caramel, toasted bread, and a touch of toffee). It’s rich without being cloying, which is always a risk with this style. A slight fruitiness, like dried apricots or golden raisins, adds complexity, and there’s just enough hop bitterness at the end to keep it from feeling heavy or overly sweet. The carbonation is spot-on, giving it a crispness that’s super refreshing for a beer with this much body.
That said, it does lean heavily into the sweet side, so if you’re not a fan of malt-forward beers, it might not be for you. But for lovers of traditional bocks and malty lagers, it delivers big time.
Balance and ABV
At 8% ABV, Indygator is deceptively drinkable. It’s smooth, dangerously so, and that sweetness can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. But the alcohol is well integrated there’s no harsh booziness, just a nice warmth as you sip. It’s the kind of beer that can easily complement a hearty meal or stand alone as a nightcap.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Indygator is a solid entry in the world of Helles Doppelbocks. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it nails the classic traits of the style while staying approachable. The balance of rich malt, subtle fruit, and clean finish makes it enjoyable, though it may lean a bit sweet for some palates.
If I had to nitpick, the sweetness could use just a bit more restraint, and the finish, while crisp, doesn’t linger as long as I’d like. That said, these are small quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable beer.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Appearance: 8/10
Aroma: 8.5/10
Flavor: 8/10
Mouthfeel: 8.5/10
Drinkability: 8/10
Abita’s Indygator is a crowd pleaser for fans of malt-forward lagers. It’s rich, smooth, and dangerously drinkable. Grab one for a backyard barbecue, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a beer that feels like a little treat.
If you’ve tried the Abita Indygator, please let us know what you thought about it below.
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