Mammoth Maibock
Grand Teton Brewing Co.
- From:
- Grand Teton Brewing Co.
- Idaho, United States
- Style:
- Maibock
- ABV:
- 6.8%
- Score:
- 84
- Avg:
- 3.62 | pDev: 18.23%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 12
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Aug 13, 2015
- Added:
- Feb 25, 2007
- Wants:
- 1
- Gots:
- 0
SCORE
84
Good
84
Good
Our version is squarely in the Einbeck tradition. We used German Pilsner malt for a clean, slightly sweet flavor, then subtly spiced the brew with German Hallertau hops. We fermented with lager yeast from a monastery brewery near Munich, and allowed it to ferment and condition for more than two months for a smooth yet crisp character.
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Reviewed by NorCalYeti from California
1.53/5 rDev -57.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
1.53/5 rDev -57.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
taste- sour apple
color- rusty orange
clarity- very clear
smell- faint citrus notes
body- slight bite, flat, thin, tired
appearance- crazy color, flat, off
overall impression- not good
notes- i think it's over the hill or not stored properly. lots of yeast covering the grolsch-style enclosure. poured out the beer. this review is for a 2008 vintage tasted in 2008
glassware: pint
Oct 17, 2009color- rusty orange
clarity- very clear
smell- faint citrus notes
body- slight bite, flat, thin, tired
appearance- crazy color, flat, off
overall impression- not good
notes- i think it's over the hill or not stored properly. lots of yeast covering the grolsch-style enclosure. poured out the beer. this review is for a 2008 vintage tasted in 2008
glassware: pint
Reviewed by mikesgroove from South Carolina
3.85/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.85/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I received this 1 liter swing top a while back from a good friend. Served chilled down to cellar temp and poured into a pint glass, this one was consumed on 05/26/2009.
The pour was a touch disappointing for me, decent but I was hoping for more as the light amber color with nice carbonation failed to yield a head of any appreciable size. Still though fairly nice and compact look to it. Nice malty backbone here with a touch of grassy or vinous hops added to what almost came across as a touch of grape like fruits as well. Interesting blend here. Smooth, even flavor from beginning to end. Clean, almost grape like fruit flavor again led the way before a nice caramel touch took it over. Nice and smooth, bready flavors then seeped in and took the control mid palate, finally relenting to a wave of earthy hops that give it just enough depth to keep me interested.
Overall not bad, not my favorite of the style by any means, but still not bad at all. Not sure I would plunk down the change for this one, but it is a good effort none the less.
May 27, 2009The pour was a touch disappointing for me, decent but I was hoping for more as the light amber color with nice carbonation failed to yield a head of any appreciable size. Still though fairly nice and compact look to it. Nice malty backbone here with a touch of grassy or vinous hops added to what almost came across as a touch of grape like fruits as well. Interesting blend here. Smooth, even flavor from beginning to end. Clean, almost grape like fruit flavor again led the way before a nice caramel touch took it over. Nice and smooth, bready flavors then seeped in and took the control mid palate, finally relenting to a wave of earthy hops that give it just enough depth to keep me interested.
Overall not bad, not my favorite of the style by any means, but still not bad at all. Not sure I would plunk down the change for this one, but it is a good effort none the less.
Reviewed by Oxymoron from Colorado
3.33/5 rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.33/5 rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Mammoth, as in the bottle? Poured a lighter shade of brown with great clarity. A soft, fuzzy white head had good retention and decent lacing throughout. But the head and lacing did not make it through the full tasting.
The nose is soft overall. Some light malty notes with a hint of bready notes. Some lighter kettle caramel notes. Some minor yeasty notes but nothing over the top. A few fruity esters and a light sourness in the finish.
The taste is mostly grainy with some malty backing. No real distinct malt notes, would have liked to see more Munich flavors come out. Some bready flavors with a noticeable oxidation/cardboard. There is a sweetness in the finish that is board line sugary. There is a lemony almost green apple acetaldehyde finish that mixes with a odd earthy floral hop mix. A bit odd for a dopplebock.
The body is moderate to full. The sweetness helps that out a bunch. Carbonation is low which is ok. Overall the taste is a bit off but minor tweeks and could be good. Wonder how well it would age.
Jul 15, 2008The nose is soft overall. Some light malty notes with a hint of bready notes. Some lighter kettle caramel notes. Some minor yeasty notes but nothing over the top. A few fruity esters and a light sourness in the finish.
The taste is mostly grainy with some malty backing. No real distinct malt notes, would have liked to see more Munich flavors come out. Some bready flavors with a noticeable oxidation/cardboard. There is a sweetness in the finish that is board line sugary. There is a lemony almost green apple acetaldehyde finish that mixes with a odd earthy floral hop mix. A bit odd for a dopplebock.
The body is moderate to full. The sweetness helps that out a bunch. Carbonation is low which is ok. Overall the taste is a bit off but minor tweeks and could be good. Wonder how well it would age.
Reviewed by joe1510 from Illinois
3.97/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.97/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
1 Liter
Brewed 1/25/07
I received this bottle in another great trade with BitterBill, thanks again Bill! This comes in another of those big 1 liter was topped bottles. Mammoth Maibock pours a slightly hazed deep golden with orange hues throughout. Huge carbonation bubbles rise to the surface keeping the dense two finger eggshell white head going. As the head eventually falls to a finger it leaves streaked lacing down the mug.
The nose is strictly malt driven. The base flashes between freshly husked grains and slightly sweet grains. There seems to be a mild green apple and floral honey aroma coming from the depths that manages to add a touch more sweetness. The graininess is clean and fresh. This is a very inviting maibock and fits the style well.
Big clean fresh graininess right off the bat that lasts from the second it hits the tongue through the swallow. The grain becomes sweet mid palate and finishes with a touch of bitterness. The mild green apple and honey are both in the flavor but are barely noticeable. This is a strong example of the style and one I wouldn't hesitate to drink again.
The mouthfeel is just right. Body is on the lighter side of medium and moves through rather quickly leaving a slight bitterness behind. Some residual sweetness is left behind as well.
Mammoth Maibock is an easy one to put away. My mug is disappearing far too quickly. It's a good thing this comes in a liter bottle.
Mammoth Maibock is another good beer from the guys over at Grand Teton. I've been impressed with all their beers up to this point. They did a great job with a style not many American breweries try and tackle. This is a good example of the style. Thanks for the taste Bill!
Apr 21, 2008Brewed 1/25/07
I received this bottle in another great trade with BitterBill, thanks again Bill! This comes in another of those big 1 liter was topped bottles. Mammoth Maibock pours a slightly hazed deep golden with orange hues throughout. Huge carbonation bubbles rise to the surface keeping the dense two finger eggshell white head going. As the head eventually falls to a finger it leaves streaked lacing down the mug.
The nose is strictly malt driven. The base flashes between freshly husked grains and slightly sweet grains. There seems to be a mild green apple and floral honey aroma coming from the depths that manages to add a touch more sweetness. The graininess is clean and fresh. This is a very inviting maibock and fits the style well.
Big clean fresh graininess right off the bat that lasts from the second it hits the tongue through the swallow. The grain becomes sweet mid palate and finishes with a touch of bitterness. The mild green apple and honey are both in the flavor but are barely noticeable. This is a strong example of the style and one I wouldn't hesitate to drink again.
The mouthfeel is just right. Body is on the lighter side of medium and moves through rather quickly leaving a slight bitterness behind. Some residual sweetness is left behind as well.
Mammoth Maibock is an easy one to put away. My mug is disappearing far too quickly. It's a good thing this comes in a liter bottle.
Mammoth Maibock is another good beer from the guys over at Grand Teton. I've been impressed with all their beers up to this point. They did a great job with a style not many American breweries try and tackle. This is a good example of the style. Thanks for the taste Bill!
Reviewed by charlzm from California
3.38/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.38/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
2007 bottle, consumed 04/15/08.
Clear, golden hue with moderate carbonation. Some cloudiness on subsequent pours (I shared my bottle and the closer we got to the bottom, the cloudier it became).
Aroma is a little sour, but mostly malty grain.
Restrained grain flavor, on the corn tip but thankfully not going there. Sweet, but not excessively so. Also a resiny character, but not so much hoppy as it is herbal. Honey is quite noticeable as well. Flavor almost disappears off the tongue, leaving virtually no aftertaste save for a subtle yeast taste that reminds me of a Belgian dopplebock. Some bitterness as well, but very restrained.
Not a bad beer, but the brewers obviously decided to go exploring away from the typical examples of the style.
Apr 17, 2008Clear, golden hue with moderate carbonation. Some cloudiness on subsequent pours (I shared my bottle and the closer we got to the bottom, the cloudier it became).
Aroma is a little sour, but mostly malty grain.
Restrained grain flavor, on the corn tip but thankfully not going there. Sweet, but not excessively so. Also a resiny character, but not so much hoppy as it is herbal. Honey is quite noticeable as well. Flavor almost disappears off the tongue, leaving virtually no aftertaste save for a subtle yeast taste that reminds me of a Belgian dopplebock. Some bitterness as well, but very restrained.
Not a bad beer, but the brewers obviously decided to go exploring away from the typical examples of the style.
Reviewed by Gueuzedude from Arizona
3.84/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
3.84/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
February 2007 Bottle Date, Sampled November 2007
Pours with a lightly chill hazed, orangish copper color and is topped by a frothy, somewhat large bubbled, initially half-finger thick, pale tan colored head. The aroma smells of sweet grain, some light honey notes, a touch of hay and a nice bread-like backbone. The aroma is fairly soft overall, but that may be partly due to the fact that the beer is a little cold. As the beer warms up a bit the aroma just gets even more malt focused, there is not really any new aromatics, just an amplification of what was already noted; at times though the honey / sweet malt notes get amplified a bit more. Really this is quite aromatic once it warms up enough to open up.
This has a spritzy carbonation to it, which helps to lighten up the chewy, medium full malt character that is typical of a bock strength beer. This has a certain sweetness to it, but like a good bock should, it does not have as much sweetness as the body might suggest. Much hoppier in the flavor than the aroma suggested; a sip starts out with a soft herbal note, but this gains in strength through to the finish where a nice, solid bitterness takes hold. The hop character is not overwhelming or even a dominant note, but the herbal character provides a nice counterpoint / foil to the malt focus and the bitterness (in combination with the carbonation), helps to dry out the finish. The malt character starts out with a nice grain-like sweetness, picks up some soft honey notes, a touch of light caramel, some toffee notes (which I wouldn't have expected from a 100% pilsner malt beer), perhaps a hint of butterscotch (which should be a mix of malt notes and perhaps some imperceptible diacetyl) and some toasted malt flavors that lean towards biscuit notes and caramelized bread crust.
This is a nice example of a Mai Bock, quite tasty and it has the requisite malt focus, but I definitely like the distinctly noticeable hop contribution that it has. Don't get me wrong though, the hops are not huge here and are even within the bounds of the hoppier Mai Bocks I have had in Germany (though when fresh it might have been a bit hoppier).
Nov 24, 2007Pours with a lightly chill hazed, orangish copper color and is topped by a frothy, somewhat large bubbled, initially half-finger thick, pale tan colored head. The aroma smells of sweet grain, some light honey notes, a touch of hay and a nice bread-like backbone. The aroma is fairly soft overall, but that may be partly due to the fact that the beer is a little cold. As the beer warms up a bit the aroma just gets even more malt focused, there is not really any new aromatics, just an amplification of what was already noted; at times though the honey / sweet malt notes get amplified a bit more. Really this is quite aromatic once it warms up enough to open up.
This has a spritzy carbonation to it, which helps to lighten up the chewy, medium full malt character that is typical of a bock strength beer. This has a certain sweetness to it, but like a good bock should, it does not have as much sweetness as the body might suggest. Much hoppier in the flavor than the aroma suggested; a sip starts out with a soft herbal note, but this gains in strength through to the finish where a nice, solid bitterness takes hold. The hop character is not overwhelming or even a dominant note, but the herbal character provides a nice counterpoint / foil to the malt focus and the bitterness (in combination with the carbonation), helps to dry out the finish. The malt character starts out with a nice grain-like sweetness, picks up some soft honey notes, a touch of light caramel, some toffee notes (which I wouldn't have expected from a 100% pilsner malt beer), perhaps a hint of butterscotch (which should be a mix of malt notes and perhaps some imperceptible diacetyl) and some toasted malt flavors that lean towards biscuit notes and caramelized bread crust.
This is a nice example of a Mai Bock, quite tasty and it has the requisite malt focus, but I definitely like the distinctly noticeable hop contribution that it has. Don't get me wrong though, the hops are not huge here and are even within the bounds of the hoppier Mai Bocks I have had in Germany (though when fresh it might have been a bit hoppier).
Reviewed by GClarkage from California
3.85/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.85/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
07/04/07- Purchased at the Grand Teton Brewery in Victor, ID.
Presentation- 1 liter waxed swingtop bottle. Forgot to look to see if there was any kind of fresness info. I believe it is a spring '07 release though. Poured into a standard pint glass.
Appearance- Caramel-amber colored pour. 1/2 inch head which fades soon after. Leaves behind spotty lace.
Smell- Light sour bready nose with a whiff of hops, a whiff of some kind of fruit and caramel sweetness.
Taste- Chewy and a bit bready like in the nose. Hops hold up well and have a good flavor in the finish. Pretty heavy caramel malt sweetness as well. Get some kind of werid flavor...not sour, but something odd. Not really off putting, but just undefinable.
Mouthfeel- Thicker feeling brew with a mild hop aftertaste with a light slick sweetness also.
Drinkability- Possibly the best Maibock I have had. Really flavorful and quenching on the hot 100 degree 4 of July we just had.
Jul 07, 2007Presentation- 1 liter waxed swingtop bottle. Forgot to look to see if there was any kind of fresness info. I believe it is a spring '07 release though. Poured into a standard pint glass.
Appearance- Caramel-amber colored pour. 1/2 inch head which fades soon after. Leaves behind spotty lace.
Smell- Light sour bready nose with a whiff of hops, a whiff of some kind of fruit and caramel sweetness.
Taste- Chewy and a bit bready like in the nose. Hops hold up well and have a good flavor in the finish. Pretty heavy caramel malt sweetness as well. Get some kind of werid flavor...not sour, but something odd. Not really off putting, but just undefinable.
Mouthfeel- Thicker feeling brew with a mild hop aftertaste with a light slick sweetness also.
Drinkability- Possibly the best Maibock I have had. Really flavorful and quenching on the hot 100 degree 4 of July we just had.
Reviewed by russpowell from Arkansas
4.2/5 rDev +16%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.2/5 rDev +16%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I believe this is as much a kellerbier as a helles bock for what it worth
Born on date of 25 Jan, what a pain in the ass it was to open this wax-sealled liter bottle!
Pours amber/apricot with 2 fingers of offwhite head. Some floaties. Good lacing & slightly above average head retention
S: Appleskins, grassyness & caramel
T: Sweet honey malt, some acidic twang, with lemon hops up front. Caramel, herbal hops & appleskins show up as this warms. Finishes fruitty, quencing & lemony/earthy hoppy
MF: Light/medium with healthy carbonation
Drinks very easy for the abv, love to lay some down, but at $12.50 a liter, might not be feasible.
Keller bock vice Mai bock IMO!
Jun 14, 2007Born on date of 25 Jan, what a pain in the ass it was to open this wax-sealled liter bottle!
Pours amber/apricot with 2 fingers of offwhite head. Some floaties. Good lacing & slightly above average head retention
S: Appleskins, grassyness & caramel
T: Sweet honey malt, some acidic twang, with lemon hops up front. Caramel, herbal hops & appleskins show up as this warms. Finishes fruitty, quencing & lemony/earthy hoppy
MF: Light/medium with healthy carbonation
Drinks very easy for the abv, love to lay some down, but at $12.50 a liter, might not be feasible.
Keller bock vice Mai bock IMO!
Reviewed by jwc215 from Arizona
3.42/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
3.42/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Hazy orangish golden with a thin disappearing head.
The smell is of lemon-lime - light fruitiness with a touch of grassiness. Not expected, but, I'll go with it...
The taste is of sweet maltinessand light tropical fruitiness. Somewhat doughy with slight touches of spicy alcohol. There is quite a bit of hop bitterness - again - more than expected, but okay...Sweet and sour offset by a rounding caramel sweetness in the finish.
Lighter side of medium bodied, the flavor lingers.
Would be more drinkable, but for a certain light astringency to it that appears near the end.
Well, it's an interesting brew, and my thanks go out to bitterbill for including a sample!
May 04, 2007The smell is of lemon-lime - light fruitiness with a touch of grassiness. Not expected, but, I'll go with it...
The taste is of sweet maltinessand light tropical fruitiness. Somewhat doughy with slight touches of spicy alcohol. There is quite a bit of hop bitterness - again - more than expected, but okay...Sweet and sour offset by a rounding caramel sweetness in the finish.
Lighter side of medium bodied, the flavor lingers.
Would be more drinkable, but for a certain light astringency to it that appears near the end.
Well, it's an interesting brew, and my thanks go out to bitterbill for including a sample!
Reviewed by DogFood11 from California
3.29/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
3.29/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Large brown bottle that has a waxed swing top. Poured into a tulip it forms a modest white head that eventually lays down completely. Cloudy yellow to orange body with medium carbonation.
First drink had me confused on what this brew is trying to be. There is a fairly sharp lemony taste and bitter/sour type ring to it. Thanfully the malts are strong enough to keep the beer somewhat balanced. "Overall" it is a lighter offering. There is some earthy qualities. Towards the finish I get some fresh, damp bark. On the sweet end of the style. The dry finish helps its cause.
Notes: It was worthy of a try.
Apr 27, 2007First drink had me confused on what this brew is trying to be. There is a fairly sharp lemony taste and bitter/sour type ring to it. Thanfully the malts are strong enough to keep the beer somewhat balanced. "Overall" it is a lighter offering. There is some earthy qualities. Towards the finish I get some fresh, damp bark. On the sweet end of the style. The dry finish helps its cause.
Notes: It was worthy of a try.
Reviewed by Wasatch from Colorado
4.3/5 rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.3/5 rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to Bitterbill for this brew.
750ml Waxed/SwingTop
Pours a nice slightly cloudy dark golden color, nice carbonation, nice small off-white head, which then leaves some nice islands and sticky lacing. The nose is malty, hoppy, nice touch of spices, slight grapefruit, and some caramel. The taste is slightly sweet/bitter, malty, slight hop touch, slightly spicy, some caramel thrown in. Medium body, slightly dry finish. Very drinkable, another great GT Cellar Reserve brew, would go great on a hot summer day. Highly recommended.
Apr 22, 2007750ml Waxed/SwingTop
Pours a nice slightly cloudy dark golden color, nice carbonation, nice small off-white head, which then leaves some nice islands and sticky lacing. The nose is malty, hoppy, nice touch of spices, slight grapefruit, and some caramel. The taste is slightly sweet/bitter, malty, slight hop touch, slightly spicy, some caramel thrown in. Medium body, slightly dry finish. Very drinkable, another great GT Cellar Reserve brew, would go great on a hot summer day. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Bitterbill from Wyoming
4.1/5 rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.1/5 rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This one pours from 1 Qt 1.8oz waxed swing top bottle a light gold with an ample head of foam that shrinks slowly leaving just a fine layer with some lacing.
The smell has good malty notes with an equally good hop presence. Very Pilsner-like, imho.
The taste has an interestesting and tasty malt flavour up front; the attached card *says* it uses German Pilsner malt and that's exactly what I'm getting and it's quite nice. The hops now move in and provide some good bitterness; some grapefruit, some grass, but mostly they give a spicy kick to it, especially in the finish. A very differently flavoured brew, I must say...it kind of reminds me of an Imperial Pilsner in the ilk of Rogue IP. Oh, and there's some sourness there as well. I'm not sure if that's representative of the style(my MB experience is non existant other than Dead Guy Ale) but, for me, it adds to the drinkability factor.
A few more sips in and I'm starting to notice that the malt really doesn't hold up to the hops....the Hallertau are just so dominating and flavourful. Wow. I'd bet a lot of "hopheads" would enjoy what's going on here. ;^)
As I get to the last pour, I find my glass has some floaters in it that I really didn't expect to see. I waited for them to settle and take my final sips. Yeah, the taste is still just fine but seeing the yeast "flakes" *was* a bit of a turn off for me.
Bottom line: A very tasty brew that deserves to be tried at least once no matter what the price is in your locale.
Final word: Grand Teton's Cellar Reserve beers are a fun and tasty series and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Feb 25, 2007The smell has good malty notes with an equally good hop presence. Very Pilsner-like, imho.
The taste has an interestesting and tasty malt flavour up front; the attached card *says* it uses German Pilsner malt and that's exactly what I'm getting and it's quite nice. The hops now move in and provide some good bitterness; some grapefruit, some grass, but mostly they give a spicy kick to it, especially in the finish. A very differently flavoured brew, I must say...it kind of reminds me of an Imperial Pilsner in the ilk of Rogue IP. Oh, and there's some sourness there as well. I'm not sure if that's representative of the style(my MB experience is non existant other than Dead Guy Ale) but, for me, it adds to the drinkability factor.
A few more sips in and I'm starting to notice that the malt really doesn't hold up to the hops....the Hallertau are just so dominating and flavourful. Wow. I'd bet a lot of "hopheads" would enjoy what's going on here. ;^)
As I get to the last pour, I find my glass has some floaters in it that I really didn't expect to see. I waited for them to settle and take my final sips. Yeah, the taste is still just fine but seeing the yeast "flakes" *was* a bit of a turn off for me.
Bottom line: A very tasty brew that deserves to be tried at least once no matter what the price is in your locale.
Final word: Grand Teton's Cellar Reserve beers are a fun and tasty series and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
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