I’m usually pretty wary around bocks. I’ve never been a huge fan. Perhaps I’ve just never really “got” the style. I used to say the same thing about Imperial Stouts until last year when I picked up a Samuel Smith Imperial Stout that the style finally clicked. Now it’s a style that I go to fairly regularly. I guess the same can now be said about Bocks.
Ayinger Weizenbock may have helped me get into bocks. While I do realize this is different from a true bock, it’s close enough to get me there (I now have several bocks and doppelbocks in my fridge)! Weizenbock is in fact a wheat bock, or a strong wheat ale. You can best describe it as an “Imperial Weissbier/Hefeweizen.” Weizenbock was first brewed in 1995 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Ayinger’s wheat beer and was added to their lineup as a winter seasonal.
Appearance: Cloudy gold, off-white head, great retention.
Aroma: Clove, banana, spice, banana bread
Taste: Clove, banana, bready, lemon creme, super spicy finish. Crisp wheat balance
(Photo from http://en.ayinger-bier.de/?pid=263)
Overall Impression: The mouthfeel is nice and viscous with a slight sweetness. The carbonation contributes to the mouthfeel and keeps it nice and velvety without being too thick. The finish is medium/long in length. This is a thoroughly enjoyable beer, and one that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I love Bavarian wheat beers, and now I love this Bavarian weizenbock. This seasonal should satisfy a whole host of beer fans. I highly recommend you pick up a bottle or three while it’s available.
Availability: Seasonally where German beers are sold. Imported by Merchant du Vin.
7.1% ABV
Note: This bottle was sent to me by Merchant du Vin for review.
