Bock beer

Bock beer is a strong lager of German origin. Several sub-styles exist, including traditional bock, maibock (helles bock, heller bock), doppelbock, and eisbock.

History

Bock beer originated in the Northern German city of Einbeck in the 14th Century, and was later adopted by Munich brewers in the 17th century. The name "bock" is based on a corruption of the name "Einbeck" in the Bavarian dialect, and was thus only used after the beer came to Munich.

Characteristics

Bock beers are characterized by their high alcohol by volume (ABV) content, typically ranging from 6.3% to 7.2%. They are known for their rich malt character and low bitterness. The color can vary from light copper to brown, and the flavor is typically sweet, robust and complex.

Sub-styles

Traditional Bock

Traditional bock is a bottom fermenting lager that generally takes extra months of lagering (cold storage) to smooth out such a strong brew. Bock beer in general is stronger than your typical lager, more of a robust malt character with a dark amber to brown hue.

Maibock

Maibock, also known as helles bock and heller bock, is a paler, more hopped version of bock, which is brewed and consumed in the Spring (Mai).

Doppelbock

Doppelbock is a stronger and maltier version. Its name literally means "double bock". The beer can be amber to dark brown in color. A doppelbock typically has an alcohol content above 7% ABV.

Eisbock

Eisbock is a traditional specialty beer of the Kulmbach district of Germany that is made by partially freezing a doppelbock and removing the water ice to concentrate the flavor and alcohol content, which ranges from 9% to 13% ABV.

See also

• Beer in Germany
• Beer style
• Lager
• Alcohol by volume