Averagely Perfect Project #8 - Pre-Poll

We received 10 inches of snow on Sunday- Monday, Got me thinking about developing a 2021 winter warmer.

 

See I'm that guy where a good stout or dark beer is summer beer o.o

 

All of the spring flowers are out right now (e.g., Daffodils, Tulips, etc.) and we have many differing flowering trees in full bloom (some past full bloom).

Do you remember your Pennsylvania days?

Cheers!

 

Warning: Boomer Flashback (but you asked for it, Jack)
PA was 30 years ago, so I do not remember it too well. But your inquiry did trigger a memory related to seasonal beer. They only concept I had of seasonal beer back then was probably American bock beer, and, with the hindsight of my current understanding, American bocks seem to be an oddity that existed only as a nod to some apocryphal tradition -- "every spring, breweries scrape the bottom of the barrel to make this special beer that nobody drinks." Does anyone know a good reference that elaborates on that tradition? I mean, it seems like rather unsuccessful marketing, and I guess it was because I think American bock was fading by about the 1990s and they are pretty rare now. I think in some way, it may have stimulated my interest in beer, well before I actually drank beer, in my beer can collecting phase of the mid-1970s. It added variety to my can collection, and when I became a beer drinker, I appreciated variety in beer (which American bock didn't really deliver).

 

I think you would enjoy reading a BYO article:

“Chip Off the Old Bock -- The American Adaptation of Bock Beer

Author: Chris Colby Issue: Jul/Aug 2004”

Cheers!

 

I heard similar "bottom of the barrel" Pabst Bock lore in the early 70's, probably '72 or '73

This is interesting about 'billy goat' beer; not sure of the accuracy, tho'
https://milwaukeehistory.net/resear...lection/brewery-collection-labels/pabst-bock/

edited to add.......looks like we're getting some flippers in the poll.
edited again to call up @jesskidden

 

Helles. All day.

 

Me too. But I wonder where it came from. And also when and why these American bocks started being marketed at all, why it persisted, and why it fizzled. I imagine there is some historical treatise, maybe the byo article @JackHorzempa cited. I haven’t taken the time to look yet but will, at some point

 

From the article I referenced:

“Old World bockbier has a New World cousin ---American bock. Once a seasonal offered by nearly every American brewery, now a year-round beer style of a few regional breweries; this beer style appears to have found a niche.

American-style bock beers date back to the 1800s, when they emerged in every region of the U.S. with a large German population, including Texas, Wisconsin and other places in the Upper Midwest and Pennsylvania. German trained brewers incorporated local ingredients and adapted New World brewing techniques to make beers similar to the ones from their home countries, but that were also economically viable here in the states.

Freedom from the Reinheitsgebot (Germany’s Beer Purity Law), coupled with the relatively high protein content of US 6-row malts and fierce competition, likely drove most to use corn as an adjunct in their beers. For a time, this style flourished as a spring seasonal offering and most national and regional breweries offered a bock beer. As late as the 1970’s, American bocks were still relatively easy to find. As a kid, I remember seeing American bock beers on the shelves and hearing the bogus explanation that it was made from beer “at the bottom of the barrel” when breweries did their “yearly cleaning.” Gradually, however, consumers became less and less interested in this dark beer as American lagers gave way to light American lagers.”

Cheers!

 

I’ll admit to being a flip-flopper. Started out at Belgian Pale, because it’s a beer I’d brew and drink, and I think it would generate a great discussion. Went to Barleywine for a bit as it looked like Kölsch was going to take it. But as I’d probably not brew a Barleywine I’m back to The BPA. Perhaps I’m wrong, and Kölsch will be an interesting project.

 

We had those same stories in western PA. I have a distinct memory of my father telling me that exact story as a small child and being fascinated by it and believing it wholeheartedly. Fortunately future Dave knows better.

So back to the polls... ends today right?
My allegiance is still for the Barleywine, but if I were to switch, my second pick would be the Helles. But that faction seems to be fairly weak right now. Where did all the lager guys go? There's definitely more than 4 out there. If I see Helles gaining some interest I'd be inclined to flip.

 

I flipped to Barleywine (from BPA) in hopes of it overtaking Kolsch.

 

Same here. A kolsch is boring unless we do it american.

 

Mark, maybe you can provide some guidance on the suggested water profile (including malt contributions?).

Cheers!

 

Now, that could make for 'interesting' discussion!?!

Cheers!

 

Switched to barley wine because screw kolsch

 

I do not recall other pre-polls having such malicious posts/decision making.

Is being vindictive a symptom of being in 'lockdown' conditions?

Cheers!

 

I’ve always disliked kolsch as a style.