Bock Holliday
Ex Novo Brewing

 

16-ounce can purchased at New Seasons in Tanasbourne Town Center in Hillsboro, OR. Date stamp reads 04/13/26. Enjoyed in a nonic half-pint glass.

The beer is a bright, clear yellow-gold topped with off-white foam. It has good retention and creates noteworthy lacing. The nose is rich with bready malt, lightly toasted and adorned with spicy floral hops. I also get a little apple skin and herbal notes as the beer opens up. The flavor starts off with moderately sweet toasted malt, a bit of honey, and a touch of caramel. A light fruity character floats on top through the middle, more pear than apple. The malt turns nutty ahead of a firm bitterness in the finish. Floral and licorice notes compete for attention. The aftertaste is more nutty malt intertwined with licorice, and alcohol thats a bit brash. Medium-bodied and a little creamy with restrained carbonation.

Overall, this is a tasty maibock with plenty of nice toasted malt and a distinctive cast of supporting flavors. It would benefit if the sweetness and licorice/herbal character were pulled back a smidge (and I like licorice) but this is no more than a quibble. I would be happy to drink this again.

 

Clear, dark gold body; dense carbonation, thin yet dense and creamy head, white colored. Intense bread-like, cereal grain aroma with a lingering hop spiciness simmering underneath. Huge toasted grain flavor; warm bread crust; spicy, peppery hop flavor; moderate hop bitterness. Medium-heavy body; rich and velvety; lightly sticky.

A wonderful maibock, rich and flavorful, very malt forward yet also exuding some nice hop flavor and bitterness.

Pouring temperature: 48 °F; canning info: 04/05/23
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)

Nice malty yet light bock