903 "Sherman" Bock

It's been over two years since I last had a bock. That Abita wasn't everything it could be, but it wasn't terrible. I think that Shmaltz bock was the only one that absolutely sucked. All the other bocks have been at least average, but nothing has graduated to the excellent category. Best one so far was the Black Abbey, and it was pretty darn good. How will this new-to-me brewery do?

The brown beverage is only slightly hazy, and the off-white head is very quick to disappear. No lacing is left on the sides, but a bevy of sheeting bubbles reminds me that this has carbonation in its depths. The aroma is quite faint, but I think there are nuts involved. By outward appearances, this would be a standard brown ale, but I know it's not because they told me. And they wouldn't lie about that, would they?

First sip is decidedly not a brown ale. Also, it reminds me why I went through that bock phase for a while. The sweet, rich malt is almost calming as the carbonation adds sizzle to the toasted caramel. It's nice and smooth, and I want to drink a whole lot more of it. In fact, I think I will.

Tip-in is mild carbonation sizzle with nuts and brown sugar joining the roasted caramel. The middle brings carbonation to the roof of the mouth while the rest of the beer remains unchanged, but it sweetly flows right down without fuss. The finish is a hit of floral hops with attendant bitterness before brown sugar and caramel go into the trail off.

Bottom Line: Pretty darn tasty.

3.5/5