Iceberg Copper Bock
Central City Brewers + Distillers

Seasonal return for Spring 2010 of what was previously a regular beer. This time around brewed with Saaz hops instead of German hops.

Appearance: Clear, coppery amber, with off-white head with some retention but excellent lace.

Aroma: Malty sweetness giving way to lemony, grassy, herbal Saaz hops. Strong aroma for the style.

Taste: Munich malt forward bock with an abundance of Saaz hops. The lemon, herb, and grass characteristics of this delightful noble hop variety are done beautiful justice here. There is a slight spiciness as well. Soft hop bitterness that became softer the more it aged in the tank. Finishes with a refined sweetness along with all the other nuances.

The 6.5% abv is well hidden: unlike the previous incarnation of this beer, there is almost no alcohol profile in the taste, which is a considerable improvement. This Saaz version has a lot more hop flavour than before, but there is still enough malt forwardness to stay focused on the style at the same time as giving it a Saaz twist.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, crisp, and appropriately thick for a bock.

Drinkability: This seasonal version was just amazing. The kind of beer you could drink until the cows come home, and then carry on savouring for the night. The 6.5% abv creeps up on you cheekily, however. Once you've had 3 or 4 pints, you really know it.

I hope this now seasonal beer comes back again in the future, and I'll be keen to see in what incarnation it resurfaces.

Masterpiece.

A: Copper-bronze with an off white head; some retention; great lacing.

S: Sweet caramel with floral & grassy hops.

T: Floral & grassy hops, hint of earthyness, caramel sweetness, nuts, modest bitterness.

M: Moderate body has a light residual sweetness.

D: A good drinker.

Dark Gold with a nice biscuity malty nose this is a pleasure to drink. The body is full and balanced with a slight sweetness to the finish. A food friendly beer that stays on the palate, I bought a growler to take home. Ranks with the ESB as the best beers at Central City.