Starkbierzeit 2022

A situation of:

 

That's true. Part of it is my preference for Weissbiers (hence my name ). Ayinger Weizenbock is my 2nd favorite Weizenbock (if we don't count Weizen-Eisbocks), so there is that.

Part of it is that I compare (in my head) Troegenator to beers like Andechs Doppelbock, Asam Bock, Korbinian, and Celebrator. Those exhibit the general taste profile(s) that I prefer in a doppelbock. Troegenator is sweeter and comes across to me more along the lines of Salvator (sorry @crazyspicychef ) and Maximator. Both of which are good, but typically aren't my 1st choice.

Victory's St. Victorious was a somewhat local doppelbock that I really liked (definitely more than Troegenator). I used to keep it on hand when Victory bottled it. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any bottles for quite a few (6? 7?) years.

 

Unfortunately I won't be able to.

I'm donating blood tomorrow , so I won't be having any beers until Sunday night at the earliest. If then. Maybe Monday night. Which is after the Starbierzeit closes.

I do look forward to reading reviews from others. One does has to live vicariously at times.

 

A cross post from NBW.

Tin Whiskers Reverse Breakdown Maibock
ABV: 7.6%
IBU: 27

Crystal clear amber with moderate-to-energetic carbonation below a short, and short-lived, white head.

Strong aroma hits as soon as I crack the can. Bready, mostly, with light fruit and grass.

Bready taste as well, sweet, accompanied by mild fruit - not tropical, not citrus, not... - IDK; "fruit" is the best I can do. Also honey and some floral. This mix of flavors stays throughout the middle and into the finish. There is no bitterness in the flavor, but oddly, the aftertaste does develop some bittering that remains in my mouth, and intensifies a little with each sip, and eventually backs into the flavor proper.

Mouth feel is substantial with the inherent smoothness broken up by the retained bitterness in the aftertaste.

Overall, quite a nice maibock.

L: 3.5 | S: 3.75 | T: 4.0 | F: 4.25 | O: 3.75 | Rating: 3.89

 

I'm game.

Would we stay with bocks of all flavors?

 

Here a couple of 'starkbiers' I've enjoyed tonight.

Started off with a true classic. This is a long-time favorite, and I've been lucky enough to have it at their iconic Munich tap-house, the Weisses Brauhaus.

Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Doppelbock 8.2%




My next was a local multiple award-winning (GABF Bronze and US Open Gold per the can) and doppelbock from a brewery that has shown their brewing chops on the lager and haze front: Lupulin Brewing from Big Lake, MN

Lupulin Doppelbock 8%
It's got a toasty-bready and somewhat spicy flavor. Pretty dry, which I would attribute to the alcohol showing a bit too much. The limited reviews tell me that past versions may have been a touch maltier/sweeter, which I think I would've enjoyed a bit more. Still a nice beer.

 

Another NBW cross post.

Modist Olde Omen Bock - Traditional
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: NA

Dark brown, but crystal clear, with good carbonation; a backlight reveals a reddish brown color. 1 1/2 inch tall, thick head, light tan, with OK retention and leaving attractive lacing as it does fade.

Roasted malts dominates the aroma, but there is also a breadiness/grainness to it.

Flavor brings the roasted malts, dark bread, and a nice flavor something like an unsweet caramel (if that makes any sense). The initial taste begins with the roasted malts and bread, with the caramel (perhaps a touch of fruit-like flavor as well) in the middle, nutty, no bitterness at all, with a fairly dry and smooth finish. The aftertaste retains the caramel, dark bread, and nutty flavors.

The mouth feel is flat and thin.

Overall, a nice-tasting nicely done traditional bock. Another local traditional bock, well-brewed, is always welcome. Recommended.

L: 4.0 | S: 3.75 | T: 4.0 | F: 3.25 | O: 3.75 | Rating: 3.82

 

Not the same thing, but this reminds me of the white wine character I get from the yeast in a Kölsch.

 

I miss the Victory as well. And their Moonglow Weizenbock, and Old Horizontal Barleywine.

 

Gonna wrap up my Starkbierzeit with the 'Original' starkbier, Paulaner Salvator--what Paulaner calls the "Father of all strong beers"

Paulaner Salvator 7.9%



Dark toasted, bready malt, with some caramel and a bit of dark fruit. It's got a surprising short finish, and the alcohol wasn't noticeable. Quite nice, but a bit more depth and a longer finish would really put it up there. I don't remember it being this good the last time I had it, and was pleasantly surprised. I will have to re-visit more often.

Another postcard from my collection--love the artwork:

 

Absolutely agree for missing both of those.

Old Horizontal is what taught me what cellaring does to a barleywine. At 3 years of age it was quite tasty. (fresh... eh. 1 year .. OK... 2 years .... good....3 years...WOW) I don't think that any made it to 4.

For a while, I'd get a box of Moonglow every year; sometimes 2. I'd make a special trip to Downingtown to get some if I had to. And try some of what Victory had on draft, like their Rauchbier or Rauch-Marzen. I forget what that was called ... Scarlet something? Scarlet Fire?

 

Yes, Scarlet Fire.



Cheers!