BUK Black Rye Bock
Haymarket Beer Co. Pub & Brewery

 

On-tap poured into a pint glass.

A: Pours near opaque with brown highlights and a nice thick ivory/brown 1 finger head that minimizes to a small cap and lingers and slightly laces.

S: Roasted malts, rye, caramel, coffee/choco, and some darker fruit.

T: I was expecting a muddy bock by the smell, but was surprised by the light and crisp taste. A flavorful bock with the rye and roasted malts coming through the most.

M: Very drinkable with a pleasant aftertaste and great mouth coating.

O: The simplistic and light character of this bock makes it unique and recommended for anyone who enjoys a bock.

On-tap at Haymarket. Somewhere between Euro Dark Lager and Schwarzbier. Served in a 4oz taster glass.

A - Body is deceivingly dark, but reveals a transparent cherry wood color when held to the light. Light tan foam settles to a partial cap and collar, and a few strands of lace are left behind. Everything I got today was filled to the brim, so it's hard to speak to head volume and such.

S - Initially the aroma is a bit understated, but as it warms up the intensity increases quite a bit. Lightly roasted grains, nuts, woodland berries and other nebulous fruits - however, joining the standard bock flavors is wonderful chocolate, molasses, and a hint of smoke and coffee. Not much overt rye in the aroma. Reminds me a bit of Death & Taxes.

T - The taste doesn't quite nail the high standard the aroma sets, but it's still pretty good. More toasted grains, baker's chocolate, and a kiss of rye. No obvious alcohol, and a very clean finish.

M - Creamy medium body, pleasant moderate carbonation. There's a mild grain character and slightly tannic finish, most likely from the rye malt. Otherwise quite clean and smooth.

D - A wonderful surprise. Apparently this is made by Haymarket's assistant brewer, so kudos to him. This might have been the best of a solid batch of beers I tried there today. They're almost out, so I'd recommend checking this one out soon. I was strongly tempted to grab a growler, but realized my fridge is already full of beer. =S

A - Dark brown beer with a tan head that faded to a tight ring and left some nice mosaic lacing on the sides in random places.

S - Roasted malts, spicey crystal rye, touch of dark fruit, caramel, and a little coffee.

T - Taste fell off a bit from the nose. Rye is at the forefront, with some bitter roast and a very bitter finish, almost like cold coffee, that wouldn't go away. Maybe it is lager yeast that is adding souring at the end that makes the taste linger.

M - Lower carbonation, a little more lively carbonation level would have helped. Smooth and almost full bodied.

O - Nose was promising, but taste didn't really deliver. Not something I would try again.