Samichlaus was first brewed in 1980, and on Dec. 6 every year thereafter through 1996 by Hurliman Brewery in Zurich, Switzerland. The beer matured an entire year before being released the following December. When Hurliman was taken over and closed by Feldschlosschen, Samichlaus was dropped, but now it has been revived by Castle Brewery Eggenberg, which is brewing the beer according to the classic recipe, right down to the ingredients and yeast. Samichlaus, once the strongest in the world at 14% ABV, has a reddish-brown color and a malty aroma and taste and is considered surprisingly smooth by its aficionados.
This Doppelbock style beer is best paired with German foods, chocolates and game. It also goes well with buttery style cheeses such as Brie, Gouda, Havarti and Swiss or earthy style cheeses such as Camembert and Fontina.