Heater Allen 'Winter Bock' Handcrafted Lager. 6.3% abv. 31 IBU. Dark ruby, nearly black. Thin collar of tan head. Moderate retention, no lace. Nose is hard to discern cold. As the temp rises to room, aromas of red berries and port emerge. Front taste of sweet malt, dark berry, earthy hop background, mild roasty cocoa back end. Aftertaste of milder dark fruit, mellow bittersweet malt, bright red grapes. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, somewhat thick, tangy on the end.
This is a great winter brew, one that flies below the normal flavor profile of bright spices and thick malt. It tastes subdued by design, its flavors reigned in yet still complex and varied. Delicate.
If you like big bold spice in your winter/xmas beers like ample spoonfuls of nutmeg or cloves, you may find this beer too mild. However, if you normally dislike fall/winter spice blends and but still wish to try seasonal offerings, you may be delighted. Recommended.
From the brewery:
"In past years we called our Bock Hugo after Jan's (Rick's wife) grandfather, Hugo Effenberger. This year we decided to change the name and label due to consumer confusion over the old label, which had a picture of Hugo on it. Our Bock is big and malty with just a slight hop presence. Rich caramel notes are balanced with nice roasted flavors on the back palate. We plan on releasing the Winter Bock in January of each year."
[source: heaterallen.com]
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| This collar of head was all we got, but it stuck around just long enough. |
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| Our beer being served to us by the friendly barkeep. Note the nearly absent head. |
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