Magisterium Maibock
Church Street Brewing Company

In early July of 2023 I happened to meet the CS brewery rep (shout-out to Don B.) at my local Binny's. We were talking German-style lagers with the beer department guy and I mentioned Maibock and Märzen were my favorites.

The CS rep then gifted me a mixed 4-pack of their beers -- even after I admitted trying them (far) in the past and not being inclined to try them again since.

So here's my fourth of 4 focused, honest reviews with no influence by free beer.

Tasted on 7-14-23. Best by 03-01-24. 7.1 ABV on this can.

L -- Clear, very deep gold, with a firm white head that settles to zero.

S -- Mildly fruity nose from fermentation, bread and mild caramel back, herbal hops.

T -- Mildly bready malts up front with a fleeting dose of DMS in the fresh, "sea breeze" fashion -- which I've never really tasted, only smelled before. Caramel and herbal hops follow with a touch of peppery alcohol in balance with bitter hops in the finish. Doughy, sweet breadiness and herbal hops in the aftertaste.

F -- Mouthfeel is luscious chewiness from rich malts -- soft to syrupy, with a medium body.

O -- A pretty decent take on the style with some personal touches. Sort of a Hofbräu direction without getting as heavy.

 

Darker golden body with a cream colored cap. Nose has floral and grassy notes dances atop the toasty malt, very short lived sniff. Taste has toasty malt, honey, and light caramel hints, with floral hop finish. Feel is malty and so smooth, very crushable with a kiss of bitter and froth on the finish. Solid for the late spring

 

My wife and I both tried this beer at Brass Tap, we both rated it very good!

Taster at brewery. Dark golden pour thin, wispy head. Malty aroma, brown bread, sweet edge. Taste brings toasty malt, minor sweetness followed by gentle, crisp bite and dryness.

Poured from a can into a pint glass. Pours light orange red with a small white head. Smells of bright fruit, and some caramelized grain. Tastes of bright fruit with caramelized grain, nice balance. Beer is medium bodied yet still easy drinking, good carbonation. Overall, a very good beer.

 

Drank on draft. This is a classic Blonder Bock. Imo a very difficult beer to get right. Church Street nailed this one, and I had heard extra lagering time was involved with this batch due to Covid 19. One of the few situations that was a positive given our present predicament. Malt forward but not to much where vinous character can emerge. Creamy foam holds well to the glass with decent lacing. Beer in glass(.5 ltr Willibecher) held top foam till last sip. Wonderful, full mouth sensation. Hops balance malt well, but could be just slightly higher with some spice. Overall balance though makes this a dangerously quaffable brew with ABV that should be respected before trouble ensues. This is the best Church Street Maibock ever. Remember, the velvet hammer lurks around the corner....Get it while it’s here.

16oz undated can picked up 05/15 at the brewery states 7.1% ABV and 20 IBU.

Clear golden headless body leaves the glass clean.

Subtle toasted malt aroma leads to an easy drinking, lighter-medium feel beer with an actual "strawberry-like sweetness" just like the label describes. Abv is hidden, hence could be dangerous.
Overall, an all day drinker.

 

 

 

Taste: crisp snappy, piney hops with cracker notes and clean finish. Mild hop nose. Gold/Amber color, clear as crystal, delicate lace to head. Medium body. 22 IBUs

 

 

12oz bottle. Poured out a clear, burgundy color with a small, off-white head of foam. It smelled malty with some floral notes. Nice toasted caramel malt backbone with a grassy bitterness.