Bock Thread (2023)

Maybe folks do not view Dead Guy as a ‘true’ Maibock since it is fermented with an ale yeast?

“An ale inspired by the style of a German Maibock, brewed using our proprietary Pacman yeast,…”

Cheers!

 

For very good reason.

 

Locally, the one from Bierstadt is head and shoulders above all the other ones. I'm sure it'll be the one I drink the most of.
For imports, Andechs, Weihenstephaner, and Ayinger are near equals (I like the Andechs a hair more) and are pretty readily available.
I'm not a huge Maibock fan, but Hofbrau's is amazing...mainly because it looks and tastes more like a doppelbock. It's probably the only one I'll seek out unless the Andechs Bergbock Hell finally shows up in CO. Now THAT beer is amazing.

 

Different distributors catching up to the deliveries, I imagine. It ought to show soon if they're seeing it up nort'.

 

I had bad experiences with Capital Maibock the last time I had it as well...

 

I'm trying to remember but I don't think either were brewed last year unfortunately.

Schell Bock should be out. I found a 12 pack of cans in January in St. Cloud but haven't seen it since.

 

That is my understanding of the code as well.

Cheers!

 

It's worth pointing out that the brewer does not market this beer as a Maibock, but rather, a Helles Doppelbock (although it should really be called a Heller Doppelbock). Some people might view a Maibock and a Heller Doppelbock as two names for essentially the same thing, while others might view them as unique things. Regardless, it's still worth noting because people sometimes unfairly critique such beers for using "_ator" names or being light in color.

 

Has Abita always called it a Doppel? I see Todd added it as a Maibock a while ago, but yeah -- the description calls it a Doppelbock. Maybe a change request is in order?

And FWIW -- Blonde Doppelbock? Yes please.

 

The BeerAdvocate style description for Maibock states "also called Heller Bock,” but key to this is that the entire category on BeerAdvocate used to be called "Maibock / Helles Bock"... so it's not as if the beer was specifically added as a "Maibock" to the site. It's up to the people here if they think it fits in one category better than the other. If it was only up to me, I would put it in the Doppelbock category just to shake up the idea that people have that Bocks and Doppelbocks are specifically dark... but that thinking won't actually go away... and that's why the beer will likely not be moved from where it is. It's probably a blessing that it's not listed as a Doppelbock here, because then people will give it low appearance scores for being too pale for a Doppelbock. It's listed as a Doppelbock on Untappd. When the unique BA beer database eventually goes the way of the dodo and reflects the Untappd database instead, it might get listed as a Doppelbock over here as well (rendering any style changes here moot anyway).

 

Love bock biers, especially at this time of year....
Just had a nice Doppelbock from Masthead in Cleveland - really a good brew!


looking forward to the usual German ones I find around here, and some from Wooly Pig, who just tapped their Mangantor this past Friday!

Anyone familiar with the large BockFest held in Cincy every March?? Their 31st annual one is coming up this weekend!

https://www.bockfest.com/

 

I don't think there's a right and wrong (unless we want to expand to number of BA styles exponentially), but I like Andygator being a heller bock. I get that doppelbocks don't have to be dark and maibocks don't have to be pale, but the vast majority of both are. The outliers have more in common with the other, flavor wise, too. Could we broaden the Maibock/Heller Bock category to include beers considered to be a "Heller Doppelbock?" There aren't a ton of them and they're essentially just higher octane pale bocks. Score-wise, I'd knock the flavor profile for tasting nothing like what I expect from a doppelbock (and WAY closer to a heller bock) vs. the color.

 

I'd give my left reproductive organ to try a few of those.

 

I can't wait to see how many awesome bocks I will never get a chance to enjoy.
It's always a major score when I find a Bock of any sorts from anyone on the crowded shelves at my local beer distributor.
They're sadly few & far in-between, but when I do happened across one I get super stoked.
In days long ago, most "micros" made a Bock for spring and winter.
Sadly those days are gone.

 

I "scored" earlier today while grocery shopping at my local supermarket: in the singles section I saw Abita Mardi Gras Bock beer so I put a bottle into my mix-a-six holder.

"Mardi Gras Bock

Mardi Gras Bock is the first of our seasonal brews. Abita Mardi Gras Bock is brewed with pale, pilsner and caramel malts and German Perle hops. Our bock is similar to German maibocks with its rich malt flavor and full body. A perfect choice during Carnival season in New Orleans. Gruyére, Emmental and Swiss are nice cheese choices with Bock. Great with roasted beef or pork. Try it with Mexican food, too."

https://abita.com/brews/bock#

Maybe I should make tomorrow to be "Taco Tuesday" and enjoy this beer with my tacos!?!

Cheers!

 

Not a bad one, not great either.
I believe they do an Alligator Bock too. One is better than the other.

 

Never had it before. I figured it would be a good beer for a NBW discussion.

Yes, it’s called Andygator:

“Andygator®

Abita Andygator®, a creature of the swamp, is a unique, high-gravity brew made with pilsner malt, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops. Unlike other high-gravity brews, Andygator® is fermented to a dry finish with a slightly sweet flavor and subtle fruit aroma. Reaching an alcohol strength of 8% by volume, it is a Helles Doppelbock. You might find it goes well with fried foods. It pairs well with just about anything made with crawfish. Some like it with a robust sandwich. Andygator® is also a good aperitif and easily pairs with Gorgonzola and creamy blue cheeses. Because of the high alcohol content, be cautious — sip it for the most enjoyment.”

Lot’s of ‘interesting’ discussion above (i.e., posts 49, 51, and 53 above)

Cheers!

 

Yup, dats da un.

 

I'd gladly take the leftover maibock, no matter the date.