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I've recently commented about some Octoberfests and how I enjoy this particular style of beer at this time of year. I don't like to get pigeonholed into the idea that a particular style absolutely must be consumed during a designated time of year, but I understand why there is a correlation between a beer and its designated season. For better or for worse, I associate maibocks with the autumnal time of year, so I'm going to drink this sucker tonight.
The curiously hazy copper-colored beer produces enough head for carbonation to be a factor. Beyond that, there won't be any lacing, and the fairly minimal head that is left doesn't really do much but reinforce the idea that this is kind of a dirty dishwater color. Aroma is very light, and it seems almost to bring an astringent quality along with possible nuts and brown sugar. Like I said, I really had to strain to smell anything, but I suppose I'm just getting over a cold.
While the smell was a strain, I didn't expect it to be reflected in the actual taste of the beverage, and it is not. The yeast is notable above the sweet malt with brown sugar and some citrus creeping into the mix almost like a chocolate covered orange, but the chocolate is more of a dark bread malt. The sip is certainly enjoyable, and the spices highlight the deeper areas of the beer. But what goes deeper than a full swig?
Tip-in is carbonation sizzle, orange, brown sugar, and yeast. The middle becomes a fantastically smooth spice-lined mix of the previous ingredients that really doesn't seem like it would be as smooth as it eventually winds up being. The finish has a hint of bitterness, as tart yeast really holds on for the trail off.
Bottom Line: It will stand up to a recuperating cold or even a cold night.
3.25/5
