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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

All The World's a Stage for Lagers

All the World's a Stage for Lagers

Bock

Bocks are a specific type of strong lager historically associated with Germany and specifically the town of Einbeck. These beers range in color from pale to deep amber tones, and feature a decided sweetness on the palate. Bock styles are an exposition of malty sweetness that is classically associated with the character and flavor of Bavarian malt. Alcohol levels are quite potent, typically 5-6 percent ABV. Hop aromas are generally low, though hop bitterness can serve as a balancing factor against the malt sweetness. Many of these beers’ names or labels feature some reference to a goat. This is a play on words, in that the word “bock” also refers to a male goat in the German language. Many brewers choose to craft these beers for consumption in the spring (often called Maibock) or winter, when their warmth can be fully appreciated.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

92 150 Anniversario Birra Strong, Menabrea SPA (Italy). 6.5% ABV (10/08)
Golden yellow color with a froth blanket. Aromas of buttered baguette, peach marmalade and lemon zest follow through on a soft, round entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with a great depth and super crisp, lightly honeyed nut, apricot pudding, grapefruit and grassy hop fade. A delicious and eminently food-friendly bock.

90 Original Bock, Stiegl Columbus (Austria). 7% ABV (11/09)
Minutely hazy orange amber color. Wet grain, wet clay and peach tea aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with honeyed buttered raisin toast notes. Finishes with a hint of molasses and nuts on the dry, lightly earthy, mildly astringent fade. Very tasty.

88 St. Nikolaus Bock, Penn Brewery (PA). 6.9% ABV (10/08)
Reddish mahogany color. Aromas of seared back bacon, cacao nibs and lemon curd follow through on a vibrant, round entry to a frothy, dryish medium-to-full body with peppery spice and nutshell accents. Finishes with a tangy and astringent citrus pepper and earthy hop fade. An intense, zesty and astringent bock to pair with spicy mole dishes.

84 Fighting Billy Bock, Minhas Craft Brewery (WI). 5.5% ABV (10/08)
Dark reddish brown color. Chocolate mocha ice cream, soy and honey aromas follow through on a nervous entry to a dryish medium body with charred nut and peach yogurt accent. Finishes with a bitter celery and woody nutshell fade.

82 Brother Benedict’s Bock, Granite City Food & Brewery (IL). 5.3% ABV (10/08)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of chocolate-covered espresso beans, dried citrus peels and dark roasted nuts follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish and slightly savory medium-to-full body with raisin purée, caramelized roasted carrot and squash notes. Finishes with tangy, dried citrus nutshell and peppery spice fade.

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