Maibock beers

Troegs Cultivator just came out! It's really good.

 

My favorites are Jack's Abby Maibock Hurts Like Helles and Berkshire Maibock. Troegs Cultivator is good too.

 

Check this out....http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/33/

 

First of all, any other Maibock you try probably won't taste like Dead Guy -- which is really a top-fermented, very estery beer -- far from a clean, sweet and bready Maibock. You may be better off looking at ESBs to quench your thirst.

OTOH -- Hofbräu Maibock will probably be released for the season soon and, while not as ester-filled as a traditional ale, is also a bit on the heavier side than most Maibocks, so it could be worth a try.

 

I tried that once from the bottle and it was skunked to all hell. If I can find it again from a closed case, I will give it another shot.

To answer the OP's question, give Smuttynose Maibock a try. I really enjoyed that one.

 

The one from Hofbräu is really nice. It offers a more carmelized color and flavor profile compared with most, which are golden.
Not sure if they distribute to NJ, but the one from Ft. Collins Brewery is excellent and is probably their best overall beer.
If you're ever in CO (or trade with anyone here), Backcountry Brewing makes a killer one, too.

Not a lot of the Munich-area maibocks get exported for some reason.

 

Also great in cans. which i found out about this weekend.

 

smuttynose

 

A second for Troeg's Cultivator. Picked up my case on Saturday. Tastes really good this year.

 

Maybe this thread can create a Glissade revival movement.

 

As @steveh was saying traditional maibocks don't taste like Rogue Dead Guy. Some people hate Rogue for it, some people like it, but regardless, Dead Guy is unusual for the style. Traditionally, Maibocks come out in the spring so stay on the look out for them over the next few months. Also, take the BA scores of maibocks with a grain of salt... it's not a popular style so the scores tend to reflect people's bias against or lack of knowledge with the style more than the actual beer.

FWIW, I really like Stoudt's Double Maibock... If Stoudt's distributes in NJ or if you can get to PA easily, look for it in the spring.

I've heard that NJ's Ramstein brewery does traditional German beers really well, so that could be local option for a maibock too. http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/607/9540/

And since Nj is not too far away, if you want to try a fresh maibock and watch goats racing mark your calendar in May for Sly Fox Brewery's annual Bock Fest and Goat Race. It's a good time! Make sure to wear your lederhosen/dirndl.

 

Does Lakefront distribute to Jersey? If that's what you had (Big Easy "Imperial" Maibock), it's a terrific German-style example when very fresh. Already had one six-pack this season, probably look for more.

 

It also seems to sit around retailers longer than it should, but you may be able to find it in half liter brown bottles too.

 

Trader Joes in Westfield and Princeton has Heller Bock which is tasty and cheap.

 

Straubs Mai Bock is nice. Only 6.5 abv and you should be able to get it in Jersey. Cheers

 

I was going to mention this one too (brewed by Gordon Biersch for TJ's), but since it's not at all like Dead Guy I was afraid to recommend it. Nevertheless, it's a really good example of the (true) style.

BTW -- TJ's has two Heller Bocks. Prost is a spring seasonal they came out with last year or the year before, just a little different -- stronger -- from the year-round label.