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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

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 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 La Rossa, Birra Moretti (Italy). 7.2% ABV (2/12)

Deep copper brown color. Aromas of honeyed raisin bread and dark chocolate with a supple dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, root vegetable and spice-accented finish. A great food beer.

92 LTD Pale Bock, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 7% ABV (3/13)

Pretty old gold color. Lovely aromas of tropical fruit custard tart and butter-roasted corn with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a rich-roasted grain, honey, dried fruit, cracked pepper

93 Schell’s Bock, August Schell Brewing Co. (MN). 6.1% ABV (3/13)

Deep amber color. Bright aromas of brown sugar, date and fig pastes and toasty yeasty baguette with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy, apple and citrus pastry, molasses and praline-accented finish. A faithful interpretation of the classic style; serve with grilled sausages and sauerbraten.

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.

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.

84 Sudworth Bock, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.7% ABV (2/12)

Murky copper orange color. Aromas of peach pie and salty baguette with a supple, chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and roasted nut and corn-accented finish. An appetizing, savory beer.

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