Bergbock
Hofbräuhaus Newport

 

A: Pours a rich, clear gold with a compact white head. Little streams of carbonation in the glass indicate that this will be a crisp, active quaff.

S: Gentle aromas of grass, honey, biscuits, straw, and alcohol become noticeable once the beer settles in the glass. This smells similar to many authentic German maibocks, so I can't really knock it in any way.

T: Surprisingly floral on the tongue with notes of honey, biscuits, minerals, lemon, straw, grass, herbs, and mellow alcohol washing across the palate. The finish is robust and sweet with an abundance of honey, grass, straw, and lemon flavors.

M: Medium-to-full in body, but leaning just slightly closer to the latter. Carbonation is very crisp. Despite the intrusive alcohol presence, this lager is quite drinkable.

O: This is one of the better domestic maibocks I've run across in the past couple of years. In my opinion, it is also one of Hofbrauhaus Newport's better seasonal releases. If you're into hoppy strong lagers, then this may be a beer for you.