Bocks available in Minnesota (2021)

The Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock may still be considered to be the benchmark and standard in the style.

The main problem with that, is getting a fresh bottle (or two) for the purpose of doing one or more side-by-side, sensory comparisons*:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/66/202/

*Our wholesale scene in Minnesota has always been good (and sometimes great) when it comes down to getting the import portfolios, but this little green-labeled 4-pack (and NOW in cans!) has always been elusive if you’re going the BJCP route.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ForagerBrewery/posts/3849863298430152
Forager just came out with a Doppelbock

 

The Schell's limited batch 001 Maibock is very tasty, with its sweet and bitter notes that work well together and apart. I compared it to the New Glarus 'Cabin Fever'. 'Cabin Fever' is softer in feel, and has more of an green apple flavor. The 001 Maibock is a little bolder and certainly has more of a bitter character (that is mellowed by the honey sweetness). Both are good Maibock beers but I like the Schell's limited batch 001 distinctly better.

 

From this week's Beer Dabbler's list of new or soon to be available beers:

• Maibock, from Birch's On The Lake (on tap or crowler)
• Maibock, from Arbeiter (soon to be available)
• Maibock, from Waconia Brewing (available 4/13).

 

Waldmann's Bock Beer is outstanding! Not a Maibock, though. On tap and in crawlers at the brewery.

 

Earth Rider, Prince Haakon Honey Bock is out in cans, not sure were it's distro'd I haven't seen it. I had a 32oz crowler of Navigator Doppelbock last night.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/50612/492220/

Yoerg has a Mai bock coming out soon

 

they appear to be 12oz cans and a off yellow color

 

Any Summit Maibock sightings?

 

They put it on hiatus or retirement last year.

 

Boom Island has just released thier first Maibock, and it is quite tasty!

 

They did it last year, albeit online.

 

Tried Waconia Brewing Maibock last night and I really enjoyed it. Beware that it is of the doppel variety weighing in at 8.6% ABV. So no sitting at the taproom and ripping through them. Available in crowlers to go for $9 or $10 so not bad for a big beer.

 

It will be a select, first-come, first served crowd this year.

 

Was it lighter or darker in color?

If darker (although less common, doppelbocks can be pale) and less hoppy, it seems like it should have been labeled a doppelbock at 8.6% ABV.

Did it taste like a doppelbock to you? If so, I may need to pick one up.

I don't know why but it sometimes bothers me when a brewery doesn't correctly describe their beer. I guess I don't like to buy something and get something different.

 

I saw, and snagged a reservation for 4:30 on May 1

 

Tom still is the head brewer. This beer is Dru's creation however. He did a small batch last year that was 7.2% but he bumped it up this year. Next year it will go back to a tamer maibock.

 

A bit darker amber but definitely tasted like a maibock albeit strong. Maybe I would compare it to Capital Autumnal Fire Doppelbock, but not really.