Bock Thread (2023)

Came across Hofbräu Winter Spezial at a local store. BB date of 10/11/2024 which I presume is mm/dd/yyyy. Pretty fresh. Did not pick one up but will likely soon!

 

Are they clearly dating with a BB date now? Nice, if so.

They always used an odd (though easily translated once you know the secret) bottling date code in past years -- even this year's Fest used it.

 

This years Samichlaus is drinking quite nicely!

 

Yeah, I was slightly surprised to not see the usual coded date as well. Grabbed a quick snap of it too (apologies for the poor focus).

 

Sorry Steve, but that is not nice. Boo. I would rather have to decode the packaging date than have a best by date. Speaking of which, HB Original has been surprisingly old in my area these days. Boo.

 

We have a distro in this area who likes to hold on to last year's stash of HB seasonals and pass them off to unsuspecting retailers (and thereby customers).

This sort of clear dating will not make him happy, so I still claim, "Nice!"

Since we have the experience of knowing HB dates their beers one year out, I think we can safely calculate the packaging date.

 

Yeah, the big question is Nov. 10, or Oct. 11, I guess. Probably won't be looking for these next October anyway.

FWIW -- HB also has a clear date label on their case boxes if you happen to see them.

 

True

Do we? Do they?

 

Yes.

I've also seen their cans (what few there are) marked with both packages and BB dates and they correspond to one year.

 

@FBarber -- do you still have the email from HB America where they answer the (old) code question and confirm the shelf life as one year from bottling?

 

I have a print out, but not sure I kept the email.

@zid will just have to trust us.

 

You are asking for A LOT!!
Lucky for you two it's practically Thanksgiving and I will comply.

@FBarber

 

What's your fax number? I'll send you a copy.

 

Kern River ~ Bad Santa
8.5% ABV Dopplebock BA

 

A seasonal favorite of mine
Enegren Weihnachtsbock

 

Great minds...

One of the best examples of the style I've sampled - wish I'd picked up more. Full review in NBW #179 (4.41/5) - cheers!

 

Nice composition too.

 

Without planning, have ended up reaching for two different bocks so far today. I suppose this thread was calling to me.