Free State Brewing Co.
Lawrence, KS
Malty sweetness is well balanced with mild hop bitterness giving a full, rich blend of flavors. Named after the colorful Kansan, Dr John R. Brinkley, best remembered as the “Goat Gland Dr.”, whose 1920s era radio broadcasts throughout the midwest achieved great notoriety.
ABV: 6.5
ABW: 5.2
COLOR: 12
BITTERNESS: 36
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1064
AVAILABLE: KS, MO
A pale gold lager, made with Pilsner and Munich malts, based on the legendary Bavarian strong Bock beer brewed to celebrate the arrival of spring. Under a thick collar of foam lurks an aroma of rich toasted malt, a hint of toffee and an alluring promise of spicy hops. Ripe oatmeal malt fills the mouth but there’s a powerful balance of bitter hops, a continuing hint of toffee and sultana fruit. The finish is dry, with a superb balance of juicy malt, tart, spicy hops and sweet fruit. Do I hear an oompah band in the distance?
Now, that’s a pretty beer. Bright amber with white pillowy foam. The aroma is distinctly lager-ish; malty and fresh, with a pleasant hop note and the slightest wisp of fermentation-room sulfur. The palate is round and balanced, malty but dry, and signs off with a soft, silky snap. This is not a very easy style to brew so well, so hats off to Kansas. Maibock can pair with almost anything, but pulled pork always wins the day.
Author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. Respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. and www.protzonbeer.co.uk.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster’s Table.
