Arnstädter UrBock
Stadtbrauerei Arnstadt

500 ml bottle, BB date says 6. July 2011. Pour into tulip creates deep golden to light amber body with good clarity topped by medium, persistent dense white head that clings to the walls weaving solid lacing. The head gradually sets to a stable cloth.
Malty aroma with evident toasty-melanoidin character, notes of caramel and some faint unobtrusive alcohol.
The flavor is rich maltiness with prominent toasty-melanoidin qualities, caramel, peppery spiciness from the hops used or alcohol and the right amount of supportive hoppy bitterness allowing moderately dry, bitter-sweet finish with both malt and hop taste.

Medium to full bodied with moderately low carbonation and some alcohol warmth.

In short: A well balanced, somewhat spicy helles bock with explicit toasty-melanoidin qualities and refined bitter-sweet finish. An excellent contribution from this state-owned brewery.