I just can't get into Maibocks

And let's not forget the whole "imperial" craze -- I think Lurchus needs to sample some Imperial Pilsners and Imperial Oktoberfests to give us his opinion.

 

Correct, and lately I've been doing my part to make sure there stays a steady flow coming.

 

When was the last time you saw Spaten's Maibock in your area? I found it on tap in 2010 and that was probably the last time I've seen it. It used to be on tap around Chicago's Lincoln Square area in the Spring, but I'm not sure it's even around there anymore.

 

It's probably been a similar time-frame as what you mentioned: 2010 or 2011 maybe? I definitely don't recall seeing it since then.

Edit: And I too only saw it on tap.

 

Maibock and Heller Bock are one and the same style.
I find that bavarian breweries use the term "Heller Bock" more often while the rest uses "Maibock".

and yes,its a style

 

Weird. While the kellerbiers I've had in Munich and Bamberg were notably different, I don't think either was simply just an unfiltered version of another style. Talk about over-doing categories. While I get the style thing for the US scene, for classical beers it's a square peg in a round hole.

 

One that I haven't seen anyone mention that I enjoy is Big Easy Imperial Maibock.

 

To be fair to the BJCP, they resisted trying to classify Kellerbier for years, but I suppose the demands of the competition ultimately forced their hand.

 

I was thinking about how god that one is; nicely bready up front with a smooth, soft finish. I'm just not sure how available it is to the O.P. in S. Dakota.

 

The last time I saw it in bottles had to be mid- to late-80s. A local German Restaurant had one bottle left on its shelf behind the bar as a sort of "badge of valor," along with a .25 L Willi Becher with a silk screened Spaten logo and Premium Maibock on its face.

Those 2 gems are a part of my breweriana collection now, a gift from the owners when they closed the restaurant.

 

capital and smuttynose make some great maibocks.
If you can't find a maibock that you like - try harderr! when done well they are incredible.

 

An interesting extraction from Richman's Classic Beer Styles book on Bock:

Not sure how accurate Richman's reporting is, but much of the research was done in Germany proper -- albeit, the book is copyright 1994.

 

If you don't like this one, give up on the style.

 

Troegs Cultivator - not sure if you can get it in SD.

 

Not sure if it's been said yet, but Boss Tom's is done. Not being produced this year, and not likely going forward. The Free State? I love the brewery, but that's one (along with Wheat State Golden) that just does nothing for me personally each time.

 

New Glarus Cabin Fever is a very solid overall beer and I think it is considered a maibock. That is if you can get it where you live and if they are making it this year. Probably a no to both.

 

Well, that is the one he stated previously that he (his words) hated. That said, I definitely like HB's version, but it's certainly a different take on what most of the other breweries in Munich, let alone the world, make. Domingo called it a lighter Doppelbock, I refer to it as more Oktoberfest, but it's still none of the above. Unique, is probably the best descriptor, along with delicious -- if you really enjoy well-made German beer.

 

So Munich brewers make their Helles into Kellerbiers and their Maerzens into Bocks; must mean Franconians, who make their Maerzens into Kellerbiers, make their Helles into Bocks! (It's all making so much sense now... Thanks BJCP!!!).

 

Ayinger. Plus they come in these really cool disposable kegs that look like mini atomic bombs/torpedos. Pretty awesome. Unfortunately you have to order the draft months in advance (at least around my area)