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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Ales

The Lords of the Ales: A Powerful Onslaught of Ales from the Two Towers of North America and Great Britain

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

91 Sudworth Bock, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 7% ABV (3/11)
Deep lightly hazy copper color with a light taupe head. Very pleasing cocoa-dusted nut, toasted corn tortilla and buttered dark raisin toast aromas with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with fig, molasses and citrus marmalade notes and a crisp, nicely astringent, frisée-like hop bite on the finish. Nicely balanced and styled.

90 Einhorn Bock, Delafield Brewhaus (WI). 6.5% ABV (2/11)
Deep copper color. Bright, honeyed tropical fruit and golden raisin bread aromas with a crisp, lush dryish medium-full body and a toasty, mineral and leafy green finish. Very nice and beautifully balanced.

89 Schell’s Bock, August Schell Brewing Co. (MN). 5.5% ABV (2/11)
Brilliant deep copper color. Aromas of caramel cake, dried citrus and butterscotch pudding with a vibrant, crisp and highly carbonated dryish medium-full body and a tangy, bread crust and alfalfa sprout-accented finish. Nice intensity and style that begs another sip.

88 Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.8% ABV (3/11)
Deep mahogany color. Rich aromas and flavors of chocolate roasted almonds and mocha pudding with a smooth, creamy fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a spicy mincemeat pie, wet grain and caramelized green pear finish with mild wheat grass-like hops. Interesting and tasty; try with grilled game or rabbit.

88 Bock, Narragansett Brewing Co. (RI). 6.5% ABV (3/11)
Bright deep amber color. Aromas of caramel-drizzled dates and buttered orange-cranberry scone with a crisp, supple dryish medium body and an even crisper roasted corn and root vegetable driven finish with astringent, earthy and peppery hops. Really more of a hoppy märzen in style, but very refreshing and quenching.

87 Luminaria Bock, Del Norte Brewing Co. (CO). 7% ABV (2/11)
Pretty dark reddish copper color. Aromas of caramelized dried fruits and banana cake with a supple, chewy dryish medium-to-full body and a mellow, lightly peppery, jicama and wafer-accented finish. A nice, dry food bock.

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