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.
