92 150 Anniversario Birra Strong, Menabrea SPA (Italy). 6.5% ABV (10/08)
Golden yellow color with a froth blanket. Aromas of buttered baguette, peach marmalade and lemon zest follow through on a soft, round entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with a great depth and super crisp, lightly honeyed nut, apricot pudding, grapefruit and grassy hop fade. A delicious and eminently food-friendly bock.
90 Original Bock, Stiegl Columbus (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.
88 St. Nikolaus Bock, Penn Brewery (PA). 6.9% ABV (10/08)
Reddish mahogany color. Aromas of seared back bacon, cacao nibs and lemon curd follow through on a vibrant, round entry to a frothy, dryish medium-to-full body with peppery spice and nutshell accents. Finishes with a tangy and astringent citrus pepper and earthy hop fade. An intense, zesty and astringent bock to pair with spicy mole dishes.
84 Fighting Billy Bock, Minhas Craft Brewery (WI). 5.5% ABV (10/08)
Dark reddish brown color. Chocolate mocha ice cream, soy and honey aromas follow through on a nervous entry to a dryish medium body with charred nut and peach yogurt accent. Finishes with a bitter celery and woody nutshell fade.
82 Brother Benedict’s Bock, Granite City Food & Brewery (IL). 5.3% ABV (10/08) %{Brewpub}
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of chocolate-covered espresso beans, dried citrus peels and dark roasted nuts follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish and slightly savory medium-to-full body with raisin purée, caramelized roasted carrot and squash notes. Finishes with tangy, dried citrus nutshell and peppery spice fade.