94 Bavarian Heller Doppelbock, Privatbrauerei Plank-Laaber (Germany). 7.8% ABV (5/08)
Slightly hazy golden amber color. Wet grain, pudding and clay aromas. A round, frothy entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body of sweet honeyed toast, brown sugar, taro root and nut flavors. Finishes with a long, rich chewy dried peach, orange and honey nut fade. Delicious and well balanced.
93 Maibock, Capital Brewery (WI). 6.4% ABV (2/07)
Beautiful amber color. Sumptuous fresh crusty semolina bread and clover honey aromas. A satiny entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body of tangy dried stone and citrus fruits, toasted baguette and honey flavors. Finishes with a long tangy fruit, dry caramel and delicate hop fade. Wonderfully balanced and highly drinkable.
92 LTD 02, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6.4% ABV (4/09)
Bright light amber color. Aromas of peach marmalade on toast, cracker and wet stones follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with nut and crème caramel notes. Finishes with a long, chewy caramelized grain, sweet citrus and earth hop fade. Great depth, balance and drinkability.
92 Hofbräu Maibock, Hofbräuhaus München (Germany). 7.2% ABV (4/09)
Beautiful copper color with a fine blanket of foam. Bold aromas of praline, floury bread dough and poached egg follow through on a creamy, rich entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with fantastic depth and integration. Finishes with a long, lingering fade with a kiss of pepper and earthy hops. A great benchmark for the style.
90 Mai Bock, Sprecher Brewing Co. (WI). 6% ABV (11/06)
Lightly hazy, deep amber orange color. Dried stone fruit and warm caramel aromas. A smooth, supple entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body of cocoa-dusted figs, dried peach and marmalade flavors. Finishes with a crisp, tangy sweet citrus and earthy hop fade. A very nice U.S. version of the style that is highly drinkable.
90 Dead Guy Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (4/09)
Deep amber color with a wispy taupe head. Bold fruity, buttery caramel fudge aromas follow through on a round supple entry to a dry medium-to-full body with toasted nuts and dried fruit notes. Finishes with a crisp, rounded citrus peel and earthy hop fade. Highly drinkable and appealing. Try with brats and fajitas.
89 Point Einbock, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 6.3% ABV (4/09)
Brilliant copper color with a lacy bone head. Lovely aromas of toasted raisin bread and custard follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with good integration and a long, resonant lemon and earth-accented finish.
87 Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning Über Pils, Clipper City Brewing Co. (MD). 7.5% ABV (5/08)
Brilliant golden amber color. Slightly sour dried orange, nut toast and Ivory Soap aromas follow though on a creamy entry to a dryish medium body with a nice hints of creamy caramel. Finishes with pleasant porridge and dried citrus fade.
86 Maibock, Bastone Brewery (MI). 7% ABV (4/08) %{Brewpub}
Amber in color with a slight orange cast. Honey, cookie dough and graham cracker nose with hints of orange marmalade. Soft on the palate with gentle carbonation. Dark toast and sweet honey butter notes make up the malt backbone. Finishing with a candy apple-like sweetness with slight perks of bitterness that are actually fairly quenching. Try this brew with some slow-roasted pork with apples and shallots.