Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Lagers

Lagers Get Some Love

Bock

Bocks are a specific type of strong lager historically associated with Germany and specifically the town of Einbeck. These beers range 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. ␣is 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

93 “150 Anniversario” Birra Strong, Menabrea (Italy). 6.5% ABV (11/11)
Pale golden color. Mild aromas of buttery roasted corn and salted baguette with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and hints of papaya, banana, and peach on the very crisp and snappy, peppery hop finish. Delicious.

92 LTD 01, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6.4% ABV (3/10)
Deep amber copper color. Aromas of dark toasted nut bread and faint dried ham follow through on a round, plush entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with hints of chocolate covered raisins and figs. Finishes with a nice, crisp marriage of roasted nuts and caramelized citrus.

92 Samuel Adams Longshot Traditional Bock, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 6.8% ABV (3/10)
Deep copper color. Rich molasses date bread and buttery praline aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with excellent depth and balance. Finishes with a nice accent of baked citrus and cocoa.

91 Visionary Brew, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (TX). 7% ABV (11/11)
Deep copper brown color. Rich roasted chestnut and melted chocolate aromas with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a tangy, chocolate covered citrus, roasted corn and turnip, and peppery spice finish. Rich and delicious with great balance and swagger.

90 Michelob Amber Bock, Michelob Brewing Co. (MO). 5.2% ABV (3/09)
Tawny deep copper color. Meshed aromas of praline, pretzel bread, and earth follow through on a supple entry to a dry medium body with subtle notes of citrus, tapioca and dried nectarine. Finishes extremely cleanly with a zesty elegant fade. A very well made bock with superb drinkability.

90 Stiegl Original Bock, Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg (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.

90 La Rossa, Birra Moretti (Italy). 7.2% ABV (5/11)
Rich reddish mahogany color with a taupe head. Lovely aromas of caramelized roasted nuts, figs, and date bread toast with a supple, frothy medium-to-full body and a touch of molasses, maple, dried citrus, radicchio and grass on the lingering finish. A very appetizing food beer.

90 Baron’s Strong Brew, Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore). 8.8% ABV (11/11)
Rich old gold color. Bright circus peanut candy and lavender aromas with a chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a banana meringue pie and raisin-date scone finish. A bit candied, rich and fun.

90 Unfiltered Bock, Theresianer (Italy). 6.5% ABV (11/11)
Cloudy deep amber copper color with a taupe head. Mild caramel and dried fruit aromas with a supple, smooth dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a toasty nut bread, bark and fruit compote finish.

88 Stegmaier Brewhouse Bock, The Lion Brewery (PA). 6.9% ABV (3/10)
Deep amber color. Toasted bread, nuts, and citrus aromas are mild and follow through on a round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with hints of vanilla salt water taffy, granola, and a crisp, balanced citrusy and earthy hop finish.

88 Pandora’s Bock, Breckenridge Brewery (CO). 7.5% ABV (3/10)
Fruity orange and peach marmalade on dark toast aromas and flavors on a rich, supple and lightly fruity medium-full body with a crisp, citrus and metallic mineral hop finish.

88 Amber Ale (Brewed as a Lager), Roscoe’s Hop House (USA). 4.5% ABV (11/11)
Beautiful pale golden color. Aromas of caramel drizzled crackers, caramelized zucchini, spiced dried pear, and cinnamon raisin toast with a silky dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy citrus and apple-accented finish with mild, bib lettuce-like hops. Tasty.

88 Huber Bock, Minhas Craft Brewery (WI). 5.5% ABV (11/11)
Deep brown color. Slightly smoky charred nut, grilled apple, and dried meat aromas with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sweet fall fruit and white cigar ash-accented finish. A solid session bock that will be great with grilled sausages.

87 Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery (TX). 4.4% ABV (11/10)
Deep copper color. Aromas scrambled eggs, dried apple and caramelized nuts with a soft, frothy dry-yet-fruity medium body and a breezy, tangy mossy river stone-accented finish.

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