Mai Bock - Sprecher Brewing Company

branko7

Illinois

4.83/5  rDev +28.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Not very carbonated. The label indicated that it was dry hopped. The initial taste struck me as a bit sweet---a bit surprising, but enjoyable. Later, the floral hops became more pronounced. A well-balanced, refreshing, and very drinkable beer. Appropriate for a beautiful but cool May day.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2009 18:25:45 | More by branko7

evanackerman

Minnesota

4.53/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

this beer pours a pretty clear copper color with a thin head that subsides rather quickly yet leaves ample lacing. (This seems to be common with maibocks).

aroma is very pleasant - caramel malt and floral hops, just a touch of lemon zest.

taste is a wonderful balance of bready malt with nice bittering hops that impart a floral character. taste matches nicely with the aroma.

mouthfeel is very appropriate for the style, medium viscosity with mild carbonation, drinkabilty is as high as it gets for me, this is a perfect spring session beer.

overall, a well crafted and immensely enjoyable brew from a great brewery, perhaps a tad bit hoppier than most maibocks, but it is just right in my opinion, this goes so well with burgers and brats it is hard to even eat them without it! definitely give this a try if you have access to some that is fresh.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2006 18:23:04 | More by evanackerman

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.45/5  rDev +18%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nice pour with a slight head. Golden hue. Nice flowery hoppy boquet. (This is actually the only maibock that I've ever tried that has been dry hopped.) First impression of taste is hoppy. This is probably the hoppiest bock I've had. It's interesting, although maybe not "true to form." After cutting through some of the hop notes, there is some substance here. There is a definite malt base. A very unique maibock that in my opinion tasted even better on the finish. I'm a bit of a hophead. True bock enthusiasts may not look as fondly on this beer as I do.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2002 17:15:38 | More by Bighuge

happygnome

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a: a light amber color with about an inch (maybe more) of head that doesnt dissapear fast, leaves a lot of lacing
s: honey and carmel, also bready nice hop bitter aroma isalso detectable, the 6.0% abv does not come out in the aroma
t: honey, this is a sweet beer, although there is just enough hops to balance this, very enjoyable
m: medium to full bodied with a lot of carbonation

overall i really enjoyed this brew

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2007 16:11:23 | More by happygnome

GeoffRizzo

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Faint amber in hue, extremely foamy white head. Has somewhat of a citrus and floral aroma. Medium bodied, a bit slick and smooth. A bit buttery and spicy, off the beaten path for a mai bock. Gets a bit spicy, pepper and a large malt based body. Butterscotch candy, apple and hop-bite noticed in the middle of this fine beverage. Some alcohol presence is definitely noted. Slick, spicy and tasty, should please the general BA population; try one!

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2004 03:02:30 | More by GeoffRizzo

blackearth

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Purchased from the Sprecher Brewery giftshop in Glendale, WI. Pours a bright golden body with a thick white head that leaves a nice cap. Aroma of fruity hops and sweet toasted malts. Medium bodied with medium carbonation and not overly sweet. This beer had a nice lingering hop finish and a subtle dryness. Great drinkability, I'd get this again.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2009 15:20:03 | More by blackearth

Longstaff

Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Nice blondish amber colored malt with an offwhite head that foams up quite nicely. Complex aromas sets this beer apart from others of its style. Every time I took a whiff, I could pick up different aromas like oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar, and flowery / earthy hops (no doubt a result of dryhopping). Nice and sweet upfront with caramel flavors, cleansing middle, and a very prolonged bitterness at the end. Alcohol flavors were noticeable, but mixed well with the malt flavors and hop bitterness. Easily drinkable and pairs well with a nutty cigar. The best damn US Maibock I've had yet. This brewery is growing on me.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2004 16:27:47 | More by Longstaff

tavernjef

Minnesota

4.28/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Clearish rusted peach body with slow and delicate carbonation within. Thin whitish cap. Lacing in minimal stringy rings.

Aroma has a solid malt sweetness hinting to dried prune and pineapple. Hops are pretty evident as well carrying a nice balance of light floral wax and dry leafy spice.

Taste is quite full and upfront with a bold grabbing malt base, sweet and light buttery front gets swept away quickly to a smokey and roasty middle. Hops come in fast there after with a solid brigade of raw floral grasses and spice. Drys out with a whisp of earthyness leftover as a small rendering of citric hop bitterness plays a harsh flat tone over husk roast and dark bread.

Full on malt feel and partial roastyness ensues over a sweet breadyness as its hefty body is nearly too big for its own good.I like it but it needs to bit smoother in the carbonation. Even once this warms, it keeps one hell of a kick after each swallow.

A fairly well balanced and hefty Maibock that has a nice hoppy kick and tinge of roasty breads. Another solid offering by Sprecher.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2005 01:48:30 | More by tavernjef

Chaz

Minnesota

4.28/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Served chilled, in a nonic. Medium pour produces a two-fingered, pale tan head of good duration and moderate lacing. Golden-copper in color, and brilliant. The nose is very expressive, with plenty of piney hops, light spice (clove?) and honeydew melon. Bright, crisp, and mildly sweet on the first sip. The dry hopping does seem to be evident, with the hops full of spicy, perfumey lupulin charm. Malt profile is easy-going yet equally as chatty as the hops, with a round feel, biscuity notes, light caramel, and overall not-quite sweet. Fairly mild bitterness, although the character of the hop really stays with you more than the bitterness itself. Notes of fruit are light but pleasant, with citrus (grapefruit), golden apple, and melon. Fairly dry in the finish, and yeah, I can even taste the hops when I burp! Medium bodied but rather light on the palate altogether. Readily sessionable. This is a fresh batch, and it really comes across this way by way of its taste and crisp, expressive hop qualities. I'm happy to see Sprecher beers back in the Twin Cities area.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2007 18:29:46 | More by Chaz

redmosquito

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Solid clear coppper color with a solid white head on top which left lace on the way down. Aroma of Vienna, Munich and caramel malts compete with floral to spicey hops and spicey yeast for aroma dominance. Malt flavor is clean and smooth with solid bitterness and a refreshing yeast finish. The beer has a solid body, yet isn't so heavy that you can't enjoy a few.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2005 21:09:31 | More by redmosquito

Winter

Wisconsin

4.22/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This one pleasantly surprised me. After consuming primarily winter warmers, stouts, barley wines and strong ales all Winter, I could almost taste the upcoming Spring in Sprecher's refreshing Mai Bock. Pours a deep golden, almost light amber in color with a white head. Aroma consists of malt and citrus hops. Thin, crisp mouthfeel. Flavor has a light lemony citrus essence to it. The hops play heavily into the overall enjoyment, just enough without being too bitter. Finish tends to be dry with a nice malty remnant to it. Very easy drinking. Another great offering from Sprecher.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2003 08:26:58 | More by Winter

DaPeculierDane

Wisconsin

4.22/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Transparent yellowed amber with sporadic white head and tiny carbonation. Mouthfeel and drinkability stand out as highlights. MF is exceptionally creamy and smooth. Body is light to medium. Carbonation is just a back presence. This beer flows over the tongue and into the belly with the greatest of ease. Aroma is citric hops and wild flowers. Flavor is pale malt base with butter and biscuits followed by marmalade jam and edible flowers. Light caramelized finish. Well hopped.

I’ve grown tired of the big boozey, heavily carbonated Mai Bocks that get thrown around this time of year. This one is a nice change of pace. It’s infinitely more drinkable with better hopping than most of the competition.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2006 16:57:41 | More by DaPeculierDane

cokes

Wisconsin

4.2/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A hopped up version of a Mai Bock. It was a little strange at first, but once I adjusted, I liked it quite a bit.
Throws an average golden-orange. Thin wispy head. Fair retention.
Heavy floral hops on the nose. Very nice, but about all I am getting on the nose with this.
Taste begins enormously hopped up (Pale Ale style). A nice citric bite. As the beer warms somewhat, some sweet carmel, butterscotch, and fruit flavors materalize. A little alcohol spice to boot. Very nice return to form....with some pizzazz up front.
A beer that could be consumed en masse. Crisp, tasty and refreshing, but somewhat dangerous at the same time...especially in the 16oz bottles.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2002 21:33:02 | More by cokes

Suds

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hazy, deep golden colored beer. The head on this one is shallow and quickly fades. Aroma is very hoppy, but there’s a subtle maltiness underneath that identifies the beer as a bock. Fortaste is sweet and malty, and overall it’s well balanced with the hops. The brew is a bit more hoppy than I expected, but it doesn’t overwhelm the experience. All in all, it’s good, certainly better than average, but not outstanding.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2002 15:06:23 | More by Suds

ADR

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Straight amber color, large-bubbled head of almost 1/4 inch to start but one that fades to a trace in half a minute. Whew, a hoppy and spicy cinnamon aroma (really?). Hops immediately balance the good malt early and dominate the finish and aftertaste as well. The predominant sweet counterpoint is a sense of buttered toast with confectioner's sugar, quite nice. Now this is "one spicy meatball" of a Maibock, a refreshing breakout from the malty Bocks and Doppelbocks of Winter/early Spring...sassy, but with enough good malt back-up to balance the brew. Bring on the summer...

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2003 08:30:54 | More by ADR

carln26

Missouri

4.2/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I used to fly to Milwaukee about once every week or two for business. On the return, I new I could always count on one of these beers in the main bar at the center of the terminal. Two if I had a delay. This beer nursed me through many a thunder or snow storm. Slightly hazy gold to copper color with a nice sized long lasting head. The aroma has bread dough up front with caramel and toffee following. The finish of the nose has a mild pineapple quality. The taste has wonderful full malt character. Loads of caramel and toffee balanced nicely by a pleasant bitterness. There is a citrus character that finally shows on a long finish. Full, slightly slick mouth feel, and no alcohol heat ad to a high drinakbility

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2005 14:43:34 | More by carln26

aschbren

Wisconsin

4.2/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Maibock is a type of bock beer that's brewed in celebration of spring. Bock beers fall into the lager category, and are typically characterized by moderate bitterness and full malted flavor. You probably have seen beers with goats on the label. That's a bock.

The style has an interesting history, as is recounted in an amusing story in Garrett Oliver's The Brewmaster's Table. Apparently the German city of Einbeck became famous for its bocks in the middle of the fourteenth century. The Bavarians didn't like being outdone by the north Germans, so they sought to regain respect as brewers. Beer, you have to remember, was a staple of life, and was therefore a key trading commodity. Duke Ludwig X of Bavaria hired a brewmaster from northern Germany to set up shop in Munich. It was there that the first Bavarian bock beers were brewed. Over time, the Bavarians became known for producing bock beer to rival that in the north. This victory was hastened by Duke Maximilian I who invited Einbeck's head brewmaster to Bavaria only to detain him there. By 1614, the Hofbräuhaus was selling bock beer to the public.

Maibocks are often confused with hellesbocks. Although both styles have much in common, Maibocks are usually lighter in color and body than hellesbocks.

Prior to Prohibition, nearly every brewery in the US served a credible bock beer. So what better place to begin on my search for good Maibock than in America's great brewing city of Milwaukee?



The Sprecher Brewing Company has been churning out this fine brew as a spring seasonal since 1986, just one year after starting out. Since then, the beer won a bronze at the 2004 American Beer Festival. As a result of the brew's longevity and awards, I had high expectations for this pint of beer. Like all of Sprecher's beer, this beer came in a 16 ounce bottle.

A variety of aromas burst from the bottle as soon as it was cracked open. A strong malt and yeast profile was most prominent, reminding me almost of hefeweizen. There's a strong bread aroma in there, too, followed by a much fainter smell of grannysmith apples. This only makes sense since the brewers put some wheat into the malt.

The color appeared copper in the ambient light of my room, but I quickly saw that it's a very pale yellow when held against the scrutiny of direct light. Really, the color is very appealing. Ample carbonation raises a moderate head upon the pour. The head persisted for a few minutes and then receded to form a beautiful ring around the glass. No lacing was visible as the beer was consumed.

Unsurprisingly, this beer reminded me of a helles ("light lager") as it has a distinct liquid bread character to it. All of the flavors seem to be in that same family. There is yeast dancing on a stage of solid malt. There's also a very slight earthy taste to the beer that becomes more apparent as the beer warms up. The taste experience is very lengthy, and the flavors become more profound but fainter the longer you wait. At 6% abv, this beer is of authentic strength and is surprisingly easy to drink. A moderate dose of hopping comes through to provide a hit of bitterness. Although I'm horrible at hop analysis, the most prominent hop seems to be Mount Hood. In all, this beer is very well balanced and holds true to the Maibock style. My only criticism is that the hopping is a tad too severe for the style, as are many American craft brews.

Because of the extent of the hopping, it's not obvious what would partner well with the beer. Although hamburgers with onions, or meatballs would make for a tasty combination. The bitterness of the hops would hook onto the meat, while the bready character would mirror the taste of the bun. I think Mexican dishes that involve beans would be worth a try. The earthiness would correspond to that of epazote, while the hops would be a good partner for brighter flavors that many Mexican dishes have.

Sprecher's Maibock is an excellent interpretation of the Maibock style. Assertive and true to form.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2006 22:51:02 | More by aschbren

rousee

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This is another one of these style beers that I love. You would not know it was from Wisconsin (if you're from WI you might ) unless someone told you first. Nice authentic German style lager-- it is a blonde bock or at least that's what they call it.

Nice slight murky dark gold /peach color. Very little head--very little carbonation, but it still has some action on the tongue.

Nose is malty honey and sweet but still balanced pretty well.
Taste is malty and stronger honey taste with some hops but very little - just enough to say I am not Mead-- I AM BEER.

A very good micro brew but not as complex as some of my fellow BA's would like. This is what tells you its not really from Germany. Its from the USA. When I had it the first time --it hit my pallate better than now but it is still an excellent beer. The finish is sweet and a little syrupy --affecting drinkabilty --yes you could have more than 1- 2 of these but you will be ready for something else after that.
I would buy again in a heartbeat --good value for the quality. ($7 for 4 pints)

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2004 02:08:33 | More by rousee

Pauly2X

Wisconsin

4.18/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- Deep amber color supported a full finger head which slowly dissapated.

S- Sweet caramel malt notes with a very slight alcohol smell

T- Much like I hoped from the smell the caramel malts came through beautifully tended to by subtle spicy hops. Thankfully the alcohol notes which were present in the smell did not show up for the taste.

M- Smooth and rich without being heavy.

D- Very drinkable, I'd session it.

Annother great beer from Sprecher! This beer has helped to ease the pain of the oktoberfest season drawing to an end.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2007 21:23:44 | More by Pauly2X

marcobrau

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Clear light amber bock. Good level of carbonation; forms bright white head that settles fairly quickly. No lace, but a tight collar of bubbles. Little streamers of bubbles zip up from the bottom of the glass. Smells sweet with an odd vanilla scent that's not quite vanilla; more like vanilla mixed with some vegetal hops. Solid body, creamy mouthfeel. Gets a little juicy in the middle then somewhat toasty with some light caramel flavors before finishing just shy of sweet. A very drinkable blonde bock. I could drink more of these than I should.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2008 01:48:23 | More by marcobrau

amatuerbeerguy

Oklahoma

4.13/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nice golden amber color, moderate malt aroma some fruity esters present. High head retention, with a dominate malt flavor, slight hop bitterness, medium sweetness in the finish. Medium bodied, moderate carbonation, overall a malty, strong lager. A nice drinkable beer,

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2005 03:22:52 | More by amatuerbeerguy

SkinnyElvis

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Purchased a case at the Beer Yard. Pours a clear amber with a thin head. The carbonation continues to bubble in my pint glass. Light malty smell. Tastes sweet with a little bit of malt. Mouthfeel is very smooth and this very drinkable. I am really digging maibocks now & this is a good one. Recommended.

Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2008 22:32:12 | More by SkinnyElvis

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

4.13/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

16 oz bottle poured into a Pilsner glass. Bottle date on the neck.

A - A huge 2.5 finger creamy, fluffy head billows above a beautiful amber color. It descended slowly leaving some decent lacing down the glass.

S - The maibock has a nice malty and sweet aroma with a subtle banana hint that paired with a little yeast and bread with slight hop hints.

T - A nice malty sweetness is the main characteristic of this beer but is well balanced. Not overwhelming but certainly present crisp and refreshing finish makes it a good beer!

M - Smooth as a baby's butt. Sweet but well balanced and finishes nice and refreshing.

D - Its quite a drinkable lager. The sweetness might be perceived as a bit much but the malty finish is well balanced enough to make it a good session beer!

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2009 15:50:36 | More by BeerFMAndy

jackndan

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Sprecher Maibock: Absolutely clear amber colored brew from our friends up in Milwaukee. Very thick off white head, that lasts. Very rich aroma, noticeable from a few feet away after opening up the bottle. Clean aroma, with a trace of the malts enlivening it, but with a definite whiff of the hops as well.. Very nice taste, very light bodied. The predominate tastes are the malts, but this mai-bock has a nice (but unusual) hop kick toward the end. Actually quite nice and refreshing, well made beer. Look for it.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2003 19:42:58 | More by jackndan

mschofield

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a reddened yellow-orange topped with a two finger off-white head.
Perfumy aroma, sweet malt, some citrus, peach.
Toffee and peach, very malty taste, some brown sugar, spicy, floral and citrus hop notes, butter.
Medium bodied, on the lighter side, good Mai-bock a lot of hops for the style.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2004 17:04:27 | More by mschofield