Hubertus Bock
Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmbH

Pours a brilliant pale golden-straw in color, topped with a rocky off-white head. Plenty of lace clinging to the glass as the head drops.

Nose is malt-focused and very earthy, grassy, and with almost a cheese-like ferment to it. Gives me the impression of what an 'Imperial Helles' would smell like if there were such an animal. ; )

Unlike many contemporary, domestic examples there's not much in the way of an overt hop presence -- Noble or otherwise. This one is all about subtlety. A little bit more alcoholic warmth and astringency as this one warms.

On the first sip this is sweet and light and gently-scrubbing on the palate, with a definite Helles malt profile assisted by a rather gentle bitterness. Hops profile is as on the nose -- subtle. Some biscuit malt character, some lighter fruit character (green grapeskin, kiwi), and even a hint of oxidation. Broader and more pronounced character is of a sweet and lightly-bitter profile.

This one is a smooth and rather light drinker -- seems "thin", in fact, but this is not too out of character for the style. Reminds me a little bit of the newer, 'Wiesn' style of Oktoberfest bier (Paulaner's at least), but with more bitterness and astringency -- just as I prefer in a lager of this type.

Overall it's a nice beer, on-style, and very good for what it is, but all things considered it's neither a style nor an rendition that will "WOW!" any of today's hops-crazy "Extreme!" style chasers -- and that's the bulk of America's Craft Beer newcomers, ultimately.

It's just a nice, sweet-ish (but balanced by a nice bitterness) and easy drinking beer. Might be a little bit on the strong side for casual drinking, but I'd reckon it to be a good, versatile beer to pair up with some hearty German cuisine.

Best by date: 08/14

 

 

 

Dark gold liquid that could be confused for a bland style beer.
Thick and creamy beige lacing that sticks to the glass. Perfectly balanced in every way.
Toasty smell and taste of caramel, winter berries, pecan and touch of citrus.
Maltness is awesome and so is the alcohol content.
Another robust and rich beer from Hacker-Pschorr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap.

A clear orange with a dense, white head that falls off leaving no lacing, this looks OK. The nose is great. A wonderful blend of robust, grainy, mildly doughy, honeyed malt, creamy and mildly biscuit like but paired with a strong and firming hop character that has grass, earth and fresh twigs, this smells quite excellent. The palate mirrors this, with firm hop bitterness pairing well with a strong malt backbone. Rich with layers of honey, dough, grain, mildly floral, this is great. Drying, firming on the finish with a potent bitterness, this is quite the masterclass in balance. Excellent.

Just can't.

 

 

Hacker Pschorr Mai Bock tasted draft on Long Island, NY May, 2016.

The brew is blond, not the slightly deeper shade I'd expect in a Mai Bock. The flavor is well balanced, with an alcohol tang. My preference would be to have a Mai Bock with maltier body, which might place the alcohol and hops farther in the background.

Overall, this is a solid effort, a rare modern Mai Bock that is in the traditional German style.

Golden pour with minimal head, aroma is just sweet / pale malt. Pretty standard fare, biscuit malt with a tinge of sweetness, end note is a adjuncty, but overall good beer