Bock in the Chippewa Falls Groove
Written: Jul 16 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lighter tasting dark brew even lightweights can enjoy.
Cons: Need to re-stock but it's generally only available between January and March. Bummer.
The Bottom Line: Leinenkugel is beyond the other Wisconsin microbrewers, but they still make good beer. Bock is one of them. Even my weaksauce friends agree. Maybe you will too.
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| sleestakk's Full Review: Leinenkugel Genuine Bock |
I poured the best mug of beer ever when I poured my last bottle of Leinenkugel's Bock. It looked supreme with the ideal amount of foam cresting just above the rim over the dark tawny lager. All my malt glasses were playing dirty in the sink so I used an old A&W mug. After the full pour, the picture resembled a frosty root beer, and to the unsuspecting, they wouldn't have known the difference. Until the first sip anyway.
Damn, that was a good-looking mug. Wish I had a snapshot to frame.
That bottle was the last of the batch leftover from Memorial Day when a buddy and I headed back to our hometown to spend the afternoon grilling out with another friend from our high school days. My responsibility was to bring the beer. No worries. My friend hosting our holiday shindig sez, "since you think you know so much about beer, why don't you bring over something you and I will both like, and none of that heavy shit." That's what he said.
First of all, I never said to him.... or anyone, that I know so much about beer. I don't - I'm an idiot. However, I will admit to being a student, and I enjoy learning about the brews I drink. Second, I gravitate towards thick, dark beers so ruling out the heavy shit was an issue I didn't particularly want to deal with... not during a holiday weekend, mind you. So when we arrived in town, we hit the local liquor joint that's half-store, half-bar. You know the kind; spend two minutes inside and come walking out smelling like an ashtray. At eleven in the morning.
Anyhow, I surveyed what meager selection they had on hand and finally decided that the Leinie section would hold my winner (all Leinies were on sale). The quest was to land the beer that would appease both my Bud LightŪ-drinking buddies and myself. I went with the bock because I was sure that it would become the happy medium between us. Turns out, it was. And I'll tell ya why.
As you've probably already guessed the Leinie Bock pours a gorgeous glass of crystal brown with a rich, lathery head you wish was large enough to lie on. The sugary malt aroma barely tweaks the nostrils and the hint of honeydew helps bridge the nose to the sip. The caramel scent brings out more of the sweeter elements within.
The Leinie lager is much better cold, which lends to the crisp, carbonated mouthfeel without sacrificing the roasty, mild malt flavor. This bock has a character similar to brown ale, and the hops even the malt for a balanced sensation. As the beer warms, more of the hoppiness rears its bitter head. So drink 'em cold and fast. Unless you like the bitterness, of course.
The sweet palate is followed by a hoppy pinch in an otherwise mellow swallow. The Leinie Bock finishes clean welcoming the next swallow with the same smooth embrace. This is really a nice medium-bodied dark beer that's easy to drink and makes drinkin' easy [another slee-ism]. Yep, it's not hard to polish off a few bottles of this one during an afternoon sitting around good friends and hearty slabs of meat on the grill (I speak from experience).
"It feels... warm."
Leinenkugel's contribution to the fine American Bock family should come as no surprise since they are one of the long time Wisconsin brewers and American Bocks originated in the great badger state continuing the tradition brought over from Germany. Although, it should be noted that American Bocks aren't nearly as assertive as their German counterparts.
And ever since Leinenkugel hooked up with Miller Brewing, the Leinie portfolio isn't difficult to locate across the United States for reasonable prices wherever decent beer is sold. The fortunate will find six-packs for as little as four singles but $5 is more common. Regardless, the Leinie Bock is an excellent choice for reminiscing over medium-rare steaks or seasoned poultry. And it's a good one to elevate your light beer-drinking buddies to the next level. Two out of two friends agree.
Cheers!
Great Beer to Drink While: Grilling out with old buddies.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sleestakk
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Member: Jay Stakk
Location: Chicago
Reviews written: 186
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