Yuengling Bock Beer

Yuengling Bock Beer:

America's Oldest Brewery makes a supremely drinkable Lager and Porter. This Bock Beer is a nice attempt but doesn't quite hit the mark. It looks great -- dark caramel color, nice bubbles -- the flavor is a little malty with a mildly spicy hop profile. On the right track, but something isn't quite right. There's a bit of a funk to this beer where the smoothness ought to be. Perhaps I'm just comparing this brew to some of the time-tested European doppelbocks like Paulaner Salvator, Ayinger Celebrator, or Spaten Optimator (a tough crowd to stand out in). Perhaps I'm holding this bock to the standards of Samuel Adams' Traditional Bock from the Longshot Series or their Double Bock from the Imperial Series.

Expectations play a big part in your enjoyment of a brew. Even though I tried to experience Yuengling Bock Beer with an open mind with regards to its particular qualities, there are certain things I've come to expect from bock beer as a style. I know there's a hoppy influence to counter-balance the malt but honestly I was expecting something smoother.

Yuengling Bock Beer is interesting and therefore worth a try. Overall, though, I was a bit underwhelmed. Compared to other yummy bocks and compared to Yuengling's consistently accessible stable of session beers, the Bock Beer leaves a little something to be desired.

Yuengling Bock Beer:

Representation: .70

Accessibility: .75

Style: .80

Personal Preference: .60

Total Score: 2.85 Flags