Maibock
Noon Whistle Brewing Co.

I agree with the other reviews, in that it's a bit over-hopped for a maibock, so it's more of an Americanized hybrid. But I like the sweet taste of the malt when it comes through. Interesting.

Draft at lombard brewpub.

Burnished orange, bright clarity, huge head of foam with lasting retention, drippy lacing all around.

Yeasty and grainy aromas, kind of a rough and basic profile. Swirling brings out some faint apple esters.

Taste is a little rough, bitter and a little boozy. Resiny hop bitterness in the aftertaste feels out of place. Some numbing resin, earthy and grassy. Grainy malt base, not a lot of caramelization or delicate flavors. Fruitiness is steamrolled by the bittering hops. Medium bodied, feels stronger than 6.2% somehow.

Overall it’s over hopped, somewhat drinkable but not exactly traditional. Needs some fine tuning.

First try of a Noon Whistle beer. Best by 2-22-24 -- one year shelf life. Interesting for a small brewery. Poured into my short Becher.

L -- Clear, deep orange-gold with a dense, cream-colored head.

S -- Sulfur, "fresh" DMS, peppery alcohol, resiny hops, light lemon zest.

T -- Light, fleeting caramel and a touch of doughy bread that yields to a mix of hot alcohol and bitter-to-resin, herbal hops. Dough character attempts a rebound in the finish, but the alcohol and resin bitterness are too persistent. Aftertaste is all resin bitterness.

F -- Mouthfeel is soft to dry with a light-medium body.

O -- This is a greatly Americanized Maibock that gets more influence from AIPA than German Lager. While not offensive and drinkable enough, it's not what I'd expect seeing Maibock on the label.