Maibock
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

 

Lovin' the German taste that Blue Stallion delivers to Central Kentucky- they now hit home with a strong lager that does more than simply lifts pilsner- it introduces a nuttier, more savory and breadier taste that both satisfies the taste buds and rewards with crisp refreshment.

Its color is bright gold and is a kaleidoscope of everything straw, yellow, goldenrod and honey. Bright in clarity, the beer simply glows in the stein even as a growing foamy cap of bubbles amount to a bold structure of ivory-stained froth. Lacing intricately as the ale folds in, it is a formidable looking lager from start to finish.

Strongly aromatic with toast, honey, and a floral honeysuckle note, the lager is simply more than just grain sweetness- its maltiness stands out with high floral notes, savory bread crust but never toast. Its scent trails with a spice and grain character that charges its strength but reinvigorate its drinkability.

And then to taste, all that manifests in a malty-sweet taste that starts honey-like, and of fresh baking bread and a light buttered toast character that makes it soft and savory from head to tail. As the soft tea-like herbal hop flavor intervenes, a subtle bitterness ensues with moderate crispness and subtle earthiness to offset the malt sweetness.

Its textures start malty-rich with a moderate sweetness that resonates a bit too long. A quicker reprieve from sweetness would allow for a quicker transition to dryness- thus a more refreshing crispness and cleanliness without sacrificing drinkability.

I'm almost in love with this lager- but its slight lack in refinement only makes me like it a lot! Working on higher attenuation rates and pulling back on malt additions might send me head over heels!

 

A: Pours a clear, dark gold with a creamy, lingering white head.

S: Aromas of honey, grain, caramel, cream, grass, herbs, lemon, and fresh flowers fill the nose.

T: Malty notes of caramel, cream, honey, grain, and biscuit are first to express themselves, balanced by just a hint of minerals. The hop notes develop around mid-palate, presenting flavors of wildflower honey, lemon, grass, fresh herbs, and lime. The finish is simple, straight-forward, and well integrated, with a combination of grass, herb, caramel, grain, and honey notes underscored by a prickle of alcohol on the fade.

M: Full-bodied, smooth, and rich. Dryish without being overly dry. Carbonation is firm, but not exactly crisp. Alcohol presence is very restrained on entry, but becomes more pronounced on the finish.

O: I think the previous reviewers were expecting something a bit more ale-like, but this is a very traditional German lager, and it ticks all of the boxes for this style quite skillfully. In all honesty, this is one of the best Maibocks I've had in some time. I wish the nose were a bit livelier, brighter, and more complex, but I seem to have this minor issue with the style in general. An excellent example of a traditional style, this beer is especially impressive when one considers that this lager was brewed in an area that is not kind to lager brewers. I think this beer could be a wonderful means of illustrating the differences between lagers and ales for ale-centric drinkers.

 

This ale was a lightly colored brown with an over filtered Crystal clear complexion; almost watery looking. The head was light and fizzy around the edges but that fizz congealed into a thick layer in the center.

The scent was very weak, hard to detect but some caramel malt and barley graininess was found.

The taste, too, was very weak, almost watery. Touches of caramel malt sweetness and barley mix lightly with some distant hop flavor. The feel is very crisp and light.

This reminded me of Budweiser Black Crown, which I found quite average. One thing I have discovered with Blue Stallion is that their beer deserves a second chance and I plan to do just that.