Aldersbacher: Maibock (German: Maibock: 7% ABV)
Visual: Darkened lemon skin to apricot coloured body. Moderate sized small bubbled white head.
Nose: Vanilla custard slice. Citrus and lime. Crisp hops. Mildest liquorice touch. Fresh cake sponge. Crushed raspberry hard sweets.
Body: Sherbety. Lemon sherbet. Vanilla syrup. Icing sugar. Tiny liquorice bit. Key lime pie. Brown sugar. Toffee syrup. Caramel popcorn.
Finish: Toffee ice cream syrup. Key lime pie. Green grapes. Lime yogurt. Hop oily bitterness sheen.
Conclusion: I have got to admit, I didn’t notice this was 7% abv when I bought it. I quickly noticed on sipping. Not to say that this is harsh, as it is isn’t, instead the abv shows by it being a viscous mouthfeel for a lager, and very sweet. Definitely a slow sipper as there so much clear sugar granule like, ice cream syrup and such flavours and feel over what can just about still be recognised as a lager, kind of winking at easy drinking at best, base.
Lots of fresh citrus, lime and such notes, done in a slightly creamy way. It is style I have encountered in a few countries seasonal lagers of similar type, and is a style I approve of. I like with these how the citrus notes feel more natural to the lager style, rather than the more aggressive IPL hopping take where they can feel more out of place.
The bitterness is low until the end where a hop oils bitter sheen provides some counterpoint to, but does not override the sweeter notes. It isn’t a beer that is going to be for everyone I think, heck it is only for me sometimes when I am in the mood for the bigger sweetness.
It is because there is so much sweet and thick character, that makes it the less easily approachable lager. It is slightly amusing to me, as sweet notes in imperial stouts are oft used to make them more easily enjoyable and approachable, while the big sweet notes here are responsible for making it a more slow sipper. However it is worth it, and worth trying despite being less immediately accessible. It gives so much in the way of big flavours in exchange for that abv and thicker character. A sugar hit at times, sure but not one note, a real mix of experience to enjoy.
A weird mix but one I really like.
Background: As mentioned in the notes, did not notice the strength of this when I grabbed, I mean it is a maibock, I expected higher abv, but not 7%. All good though. I’ve encountered Aldersbacher before but not done notes, so this is part of my continuing to do notes on more breweries from Independent Spirit’s massive German selection. Which is an ongoing and always fun task. Maibock is a fun style so was looking forwards to trying again. Music wise went with “The Royal They: Foreign Being” for some nice fun backing. Not much else to add.
