Bocky Balboa: Heavy Weight Champ
Chicago Brewing Company

a style i dont think we see often enough in the american craft lexicon, i appreciated this, even if seems a little bit amateurish or like it came from a generation on brewpub, which maybe it did, i know nothing of this place, this just my second of theirs, so no authority here, just the vibe the beer casts. its okay beer, good because i never have these a little more than its good because its actually good, if that makes sense. some astringency and twang to it in both nose and taste, like the ferment isnt quite where it could be, but there are layers of rich grain complexity in here, with a long boiled concentrated heft that is more fall than spring to me, almond and honey, bran and toffee, light raisin and dried banana chip fruitiness, modest mid palate sweetness, a little drier later, subtly floral and spicy from a little more hops than i think generally end up in these, and with some alcohol sting as well, not out of place in the style, and there is balance and flow in all this weight. this is a style that i think doesnt necessarily have to be made to a standard, like there is room for variation and style correctness at the same time, and there is plenty of personality in this without it being outside the bounds of what makes sense for a weizenbock, the ferment isnt to my preference but i like the heartier grain character, the wheat forward and toasted nature of it, and the little sweet and fruity wrinkles, i like it being strong too, it fits the overall vibe. fine carbonation and a creaminess even with the sharp element at the end disrupting smoothness, subtle red apple late too, complex and earthy and warming and interesting, if short of amazing overall for me. always happy to be drinking the style!

 

 

Had on tap at the brewery in Las Vegas. Nice wheat flavors. A bit too thick on the body for me.