Hoffstetten Saphir Bock 7.4% abv at Farmer's Cabinet (Presidential Brief)

What: Hoffstetten Saphir Bock
Where: Farmer's Cabinet, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2011
What-have-you: Malty Austrian brew with a dingy, earthy flavor. Like a maibock with a focus on pale flavor and earthy hops.  Upon recommendation from the knowledgeable staff, the Saphir Bock turned out to be a good match for a rich, buttery toast with a smoky escargot.  The dish was rich, but didn't need to be cut too drastically with an uber-clean pale ale.  The bock style worked perfectly with the dish as a complement.  I tried a swig of a smoked barleywine on tap but I felt that it might compete with the food, so I opted for a slightly lighter brew.  Very happy with my decision, I enjoyed both the food and the beverage!

Caught somewhere between a Presidential Brief and a food pairing, this quickie review is sailing under two flags.  Please email us and let us know if you enjoy the combined focus.  Perhaps you prefer the beer reviews exclusively... Drop us a line and let us know.  Make your voice heard, dear citizens!

Hoffstetten Saphir Bock

Brauerei Hofstetten Granitbock (Presidential Brief)

What: Brauerei Hofstetten Granitbock 7.3% abv
Where: The Pour House (Westmont, NJ)
When: May 30, 2010
What-have-you: "Hofstetten 'Granitbock' at The Pour House. 7.3% . Pretty smooth with a malty base. Bit of brown sugar in the nose. Body and finish just a little thin but tasty just the same."