We made it to Spring! What better way to celebrate than with a traditional Spring style of beer.  This week's selection is Anchor Bock Beer.  Bock is a style of lager that is brewed in the winter, and left to ferment until Spring.  This time of cold fermentation allows the beer to mature and become a bit stronger (This one's only slightly stronger at 5.5% abv).  The symbol of Bock beers is usually the goat.  Tradition seems a little hazy, but the goat is either a nod to the pagan rite of Spring or the sign of Capricorn, which signals the time of year the beer is actually brewed.  Bock beers have also been brewed through the ages by monks. This stronger beer was an important source of nourishment for them during the long days of Lenten fasting. Anchor Bock is a great way to explore this style for the first time. This beer has a great roasted malt taste, with hints of toffee and bread notes. There is very little bitterness here, just a rich and malty beer that gives a final farewell to the cold, dark days of winter and welcomes in the first days of Spring.  Cheers!

Official rating: B+