Its spring time and that can only mean its spring beer time. What comes to mind when you think spring and beer? Breweries are blossoming with Bocks. The Bocks and the entire Bock family are emerging like sleepy animals from a long winters nap. Get your spring drink on Maibock, Dopplebock and Eisbocks are sure to be found at the local watering hole.
Today class we are going to learn a little about Bocks.
The style known now as bock was a dark, malty, lightly hopped ale first brewed in the
14th century by German brewers in the Hanseatic town of Einbeck.[ The style from Einbeck was later adopted by Munich brewers in the 17th century and adapted to the new lager style of brewing. The Bavarians of Munich pronounced “Einbeck” as “ein Bock” (“a billy goat”), and thus the beer became known as “bock”. To this day, as a visual pun, a goat often appears on bock labels.
Bock is historically associated with special occasions, often religious festivals such asChristmas, Easter or Lent. Bocks have a long history of being brewed and consumed by Bavarian monks as a source of nutrition during times of fasting.
(School bell rings)
OK, Class tomorrow we will be discussing Brewers Festivals and why adding fruit to beer is at times a great thing. Plus don’t forget your assignment today is to find as many Bock beers at the local store lets see how many you can find and report back on your favorite.
