Cheers, Spring is Coming!

Think of spring and you may think flowers, yellow peeps and hay fever. You rarely think of beer. Bock beer to be exact. Bock is the term for a strong lager of German origin, which is made to be consumed in the spring. Bock is brew in the fall and aged through the winter and enjoyed in the spring.

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Bock beer was first brewed in the 14th century by German brewers in the Hanseatic town of Einbeck. This style of beer was later adopted by Munich brewers in the 17th century.

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The Bavarians of Munich pronounced Einbeck as "ein Bock" which means a billy goat. To this day you will often find goat on bock labels.

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Traditional bock is lightly hopped, sweet and slightly strong. The color is light copper to brown with white head. the mouthful is smooth and rich with a toasty caramel finish.

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If that sounds too light weight you can always give Doppelbock (double bock) a try. It is high in alcohol and sweet. Some monks call it"liquid bread". The aroma is very intense and malty.

Darker versions have hints of chocolate and fruit undertones.

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So raise a tall glass to spring. Cheers and enjoy the flowers, yellow peeps and hay fever!

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Bock Beer Day is March 20th, the First Day of Spring