August Schell Brewing Company
New Ulm, MN

They Say: “Brewed with a harmonious blend of 10 different types of malt and noble hops, Schell's Bock is fermented slowly, and then lagered for an extended period of time to ensure a smooth finish. Perfect for passing even the coldest winter day. This dark amber colored beer sports a robust malt character.”

We Say: A conservative bottle with a ruggedly determined goat staring at us from the label gave us a more traditional winter bock. A sharp amber pour released a yeast nose with overtones of caramel and nuts. Starting with sweet caramel, this light, creamy beer took us on a quick trip to citrusy apricot and left us with a faint hoppy aftertaste. It received nods of approval all around.

Photo by Michael Wessel - Tramp Royal Photography

Wasatch Beer, Utah Brewers Cooperative
Salt Lake City, UT

They Say: “The Devastator Double Bock is an intense, amber lager (8% alcohol by volume). It has a fluffy white head with a bready malt aroma and a rich body that leaves you with a warming feeling. This Double Bock style dates back over a century when Monastic brewers knew it as "liquid bread." Beware. . . it’s deceivingly smooth and delicious.”

We Say: An angry goat charging through national monuments aflame with the beers passion adorn this tasty doppelbock. A dark golden pour brought to us a complex aroma of toasted nuts and caramel, masking a slight alcoholic note. The warm, slightly dry taste of toffee, banana and malt did well to bury the 8% ABV and made this a very drinkable beer. The slight bitter hops aftertaste and tingle of alcohol in the back of our throats balanced out this deep and flavorful doppelbock. Once again, smiles and nods around the whole table on this one.

Photo by Michael Wessel - Tramp Royal Photography

Capital Brewery
Middleton, WI

They Say: “Behold a gorgeous Brunette Dopplebock, enhanced via infused German Tettnang Hops. Taste an intriguing, upfront, yet controlled hop essence welcoming one to a silky, lush experience of Dopplebockian decadence.”

We Say: The simple and neat label adorning this unassuming bottle belies the depth that is kept within. Pouring a deep golden brown, the tight, lasting, caramel-colored head barely kept in the strong aromatic hops and hints of banana. The initial mix of sweet yet tart citrus complemented by a brief flash of malt developed into a mild mouthful of flavorful hops and ended with a lingering, yet subtle bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit. A well-balanced bock, this is definitely one you will want to take your time with, as each mouthful presents you with a different, yet pleasant experience.

Photo by Michael Wessel - Tramp Royal Photography

Horny Goat Brewing Co.
Milwaukee, WI.

They say: Nothing!

We say: There is no missing this bottle with its sassy tongue-in-cheek label, which holds what we thought to be a light, clean and very refreshing spring bock. The clear golden pour finished with a loose off-white head, hiding beneath it a tart fruity beverage with hints of melon and pear. Bringing the glass to our mouths gave us wafts of bread and sweet malt. As we smacked our lips at the sweet caramel and light hop aftertastes, our dry mouths only hoped for more.

Photo by Michael Wessel - Tramp Royal Photography