Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock - Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.4/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Hopmonk, Sebastol location. A decent serviceable blond. Slightly yeasty "dirty blonde" flavour which was fine on a 26 degree Fall day. A bit funky as a result, but I was expecting something cleaner and a mild hoppy ale. Significant retained head on light blond body. Carbonation above average.

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2012 15:02:12 | More by northyorksammy

BucannonXC5

California

2.38/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Poured from a draft into my Gordon Biersch mug at Gordon Biersch in San Diego, Calif. Color was light honey. About an inch of head. Nice lacing on the top. Minimal film on the sides.

Smelled of pilsner malts. Bready,wheaty, corn and caramel.

Tasted a huge alcohol bite up front, almost like a shot of liquor. Caramel and syrupy finish. Maybe a bad pour?

Medium body. Oily texture. Average carbonation. Astringent finish.

Looking at the other raters, I must have gotten a bad pour or something. To me it was a heavy alcohol bite with a bad finish. Either way, I’ll stay away from this one in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2012 06:16:55 | More by BucannonXC5

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

1.78/5  rDev -47%
look: 1.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 1.5

First had: on tap at Gordon Biersch, Broomfield, CO

Now on their menu, this was listed as a seasonal. The bartender admitted that it was not a big seller and that he tried to convince the brewer that it tasted like Old E. Well, I'm not sure it was quite THAT bad, but it was pretty sub par anyway.

Poured a clear bronze color. Flat: almost no carbonation, and certainly no head. I was skeptical, but I picked it up anyway. aroma of grains and sweet malts. Sweet and malty taste, but very light--though still a little more flavorful than an Old E. Very mild and bland for the most part; kinda just tasted like thin malt juice. Light-bodied, and not very drinkable. It's probably just best to play it safe and avoid this one.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2011 20:52:44 | More by Rifugium

CuriousMonk

Virginia

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

Aroma starts out sour, gets bready sweet, and has a light noble hop background. Appearance is light gold with a well maintained white head. Flavor is high caramel malt sweetness forward with moderate bittering but a low noble bittering character. Mouthfeel is moderate bodied with a medium high carb texture. Overall, fairly easy drinking, and rich but not complex.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant, 900 F St NW, Washington

02-04-2011 18:38:49 | More by CuriousMonk

spointon

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +28.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this one on tap tonight at the Gordon Biersch in Bolingbrook, Il on 11/5/2008.

A= This beer poured a very clear gold color with a 1/2" snow white head. The head quickly dropped to a skim and left decent sheet lacing down my glass.

S= Quite clean, with malt sweetness as the dominant aroma. Very little of the faint sulfur smell I normally detect in lagers.

T= Like the smell, this tasted very clean and fresh. The malt sweetness was comprised mostly of light caramel and peach syrup notes. A mild hop presence balanced the flavors. Alcohol presence was very much hidden. This tasted like a sweeter version of a Maibock.

MF= Medium body with a crisp and refreshing carbonation level.

D= Well balanced flavor profile and dangerously easy to drink. I really liked this beer and will definitely get back for more. I am glad my local G-B added this to their lineup this Fall!

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant, 900 F St NW, Washington

11-06-2008 16:24:19 | More by spointon

shivtim

Georgia

3.05/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

The best beer at Gordon's, at least based on the little sampler they brought out, so I ordered a pint of it.
It's a clear yellow brew, looks a little like urine but with a white head that fades gradually. Nose is musty hops and slight sweetness. Taste is mild grassy hops, with European hop qualities. A bit lager-ish, even. Malt sweetness too. Mouthfeel and drinkability both not bad.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant, 900 F St NW, Washington

02-15-2008 14:30:53 | More by shivtim

tapman

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +28%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- Light copper bolnde. Color is golden at the botom and dark at the top, nice lighting effect, with a 2 finger head, creamy and white...pilsner like though not as thin.

S- Smells like a Pilsner with toffee malts instead of the usual thin maltiness present in a pilsner. Hops are Bavarian in aroma as well as the malts. A bit of caramel and toffee, butter and a slight tartness in the yeast and hop balance. A slight dry yeast sting in the nose finish.

T- Sweet and sour; bitter in hop/malt balance with a seet malt/yeast balance. Slight dry finish, hoppy, tart aftertaste. As it warms it gets sugary sweet and resembles juicy fruit gum.

M- Crisp, refreshing, a little sticky in the finish. A pretty complex mouthfeel which you don't hear to often.

D- A bit hoppy for me, but it is a 'hele' bock beer so... Very Pilsnery, which I'm generally not crazy about, but this adds a nice bit of sweet malt thus gets a higher score from this BA. If your stuck in a San Francisco airport you could do much, much worse.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 2 Harrison Street, San Francisco

11-24-2007 18:32:38 | More by tapman

jbsteiny

Hawaii

4.1/5  rDev +22%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the GB brewpub in Honolulu Harbor. Crystal clear, bright gold. Slight head, no lace. Smelled of honey and floral hops. Slight apricot ester. Very appealing. Bright taste, starts with honey with a hop bite. Creamy mouthfeel with a kick. Along with the Dunkel, I think this is one of the best beers they make.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant, 1 Aloha Tower Dr Ste 1123, Honolulu

07-29-2007 00:59:47 | More by jbsteiny

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.83/5  rDev +14%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I agree with Ding, this is a very good, strong brew. A brilliantly clear straw color with sparkling carbonation (could have better head retention). Strong, sweet pilsner malt aromas have a honey-like sweetness with light earthy-grain flavors. Hops offset the sweetness, but contribute little in the way of flavor or aromas. Spicy from the Saaz and from highter than normal alcohols. A sweet alcohol and evaporative feel, both approach teeth-hurting and warming. Finishes sweet with a light hop bite. Even with a few inconsistencies, it has enough intrigue to win over some taste buds.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant, 1 Aloha Tower Dr Ste 1123, Honolulu

06-13-2007 16:46:30 | More by BEERchitect

aquatonex

New York

3.18/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Ah, gotta love business trips that let you try new beers in new locations...

Pours a light hazy-ish amber with a nice foamy head, good carbonation. Smells of sweet malts, slight alcohols peeking through though. Taste is full of medium bodied creamy malts, slight sweetness. Nice and filling but still refreshing. Only weak point is the alcohols in the taste as in the nose.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 33 East San Fernando Street, San Jose

11-10-2006 21:16:29 | More by aquatonex

clickpush

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +29.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pour: At Dulles airport, draught to weizen glass. Showed a two finger white head over a half-cloudy honey colored beer. Lots of interior bubbles throughout. Head fled after a minute or two, leaving some trails along the glass and a hefty cap over the surface of the beer. Looks very refreshing.

Nose: Alcohol is present and (after a long flight) inviting. Pineapple sweet, yeasty, grassiness from the hops, and caramel. It all combines to make a strong, delicious aroma.

Mouth: Yeasty, fruity, and delicious. Enjoyable malt characters are the highlight. Strong prickling carbonation on front of tongue but is a tad flat by the end. After swallowing a sweet, bready flavor lingers and mingles with a grassy hop flavor. As it warms it seems to fall apart a little, and the balance does not last very long.

Over all, I would buy this in bottles to stock at my house.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 7861 L Chain Bridge Rd, McLean

10-11-2006 19:52:43 | More by clickpush

Westsidethreat

California

3.23/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Off white head with medium sized bubbles. Light mustard yellow body with touch haze.

S: Wet hay with a mild sweetness and a grainy profile.

T: White corn, toffee and American barley. Mellow butterscotch aftertaste, slightly metallic with a tad of bittering hops.

M: Medium body with somewhat fluffy carbonation.

D: Not very bock like. Pretty straight forward but not a big fan of any metallic aftertaste.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 7861 L Chain Bridge Rd, McLean

07-14-2006 05:38:34 | More by Westsidethreat

goodbyeohio

Oregon

3.4/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

on-tap at dulles airport GB substation in the united terminal

crystal clear and golden, slow bubble traffic northbound. solid head of varying densities and flame-like lacing. not much aroma, some candy corn and the spike of bitter lemon rind. malty to the bone, but not quite maibock as it lacks a denser brand of sweetness. still brings that refreshing hop mouth-tingle.. fresh and low alpha. licorice and mint notes soothe in the flavor and add character.. they work well side-by-side with the cereal sweetness of the style.

finishes just a tad too harsh. the bitterness from the hops imparts an earthy bitterness which interrupts the flavor and drinkability- too much for a blond bock. somewhat waxy after-palate. shame this beer falls short at the end.. it's solid otherwise.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 7861 L Chain Bridge Rd, McLean

05-05-2006 13:59:32 | More by goodbyeohio

Vancer

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Suppose to have a creamy white head, came to the table with a slow dying frothy head – on top of a golden amber brew – interesting for a bock. Again (like the Dunkle), not much aroma but small hints of malt.

Taste buds were awakened with a hearty quaff – starts with grassy, earthy and leathery notes. Then a nice hop finish appeared, along with some subtle spice notes.

Crisp and tart, the 7+ abv could hurt you, but for a couple this was a pleasurable offering.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

01-23-2006 15:24:59 | More by Vancer

DogFood11

California

1.63/5  rDev -51.5%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.5

What the heck! maybe myself and gordon biersch dont see eye to eye on much of anything but I've yet to try a beer they make that I enjoy. Is it a Blonde, or Bock. I mean pick a team! I'm no beer expert by any stretch but this seems a bit of a task.

It wasn't golden in appearance like the label would indicate. No big deal just odd that its actually more tan than anything. Very heavy wheat taste. Taste's cheap. Carbonation just pummels the palate, overwhelming carbonation that sizzles even in the aftertaste. Medicinal type taste in the middle mixed with grain.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

07-21-2005 04:59:48 | More by DogFood11

HochFliegen

Oregon

2.88/5  rDev -14.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Not quite as golden as I thought it would be. It was more of a copper color than gold. It was clear and did have a good sized frothy head.
The smell was sweet with a carmel smell being the most discernable. A light citrus smell as well.
The taste was very sweet almost too much for my taste. A strong carmel flavor with a hint of bitter in the end. Nothing more really stood out to me.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

11-29-2004 00:50:00 | More by HochFliegen

Redrover

Illinois

3.35/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

I had a ½ liter of this on tap from the Las Vegas Brew Pub. The beer is a bright crystal clear gold. It did not have much in the way of a head or lacing (that’s probably due to the bartender).

The beer had a pleasant but slight nose of malts and wet hay.

The first taste was slightly sour, but it turned sweeter quickly. Not much hoping (and I wasn’t expecting any) and no off or artificial taste. Almost all grainy malts in the taste profile. The beer went very well with the food.

Good crisp carbonation for the mouthfeel. Easy drinking beer, but I would prefer something a little more complex.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

10-29-2004 16:32:29 | More by Redrover

RoyalT

Ohio

3.53/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance – This blonde bock is, well, not so blonde, but it is lighter than a regular bock. I’d call the color a light orangish-brown, like a very light copper. The head was big and full with lots of active carbonation feeding into it.

Smell – The nose here is light but not subtle, if that makes any sense. What I can pick up is some sharp sugary notes with a bit of caramel-laden malt beneath.

Taste – This tastes a lot bigger than it smells. The super-sweet caramel is huge and drowns out the malty base. This is definitely cloying in the taste. The sugary sweetness is good but over-the-top.

Mouthfeel – This light to medium-bodied Bock is so sweet my mouth puckered when I took my first swig.

Drinkability – This one is a little much to qualify as a session beer (which I think all Bocks should be able to do) but it was drinkable on a limited scale. I wouldn’t want more than one round of it, but it wasn’t bad.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

10-07-2004 14:59:43 | More by RoyalT

kiya

California

2.68/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

i had a 20oz glass of this at the gordon biersch in palo alto, ca...
i was excited to see the head on this beer.. what a pour...
everything from the substantial lace to the color was great..
but that's where the greatness ends.

sharp smells of citrus are instantly noticeable... i was expecting a deeper flavor profile, especially considering the 7%ABV and color of this beer...
i was sorely disappointed in every aspect.. the mouthfeel was over carbonated, and astringent, and the flavor left nothing pleasant in my mouth. no be honest, the beer didn't really leave any flavor in my mouth once i swallowed.

for me this was an almost non-existent beer.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

06-23-2004 03:58:41 | More by kiya

WVbeergeek

Ohio

3.18/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Appearance: Amber blonde with a white fleeting head leaves thin sporadic spots of lace. Aroma: Rich maltiness semi-nutty with alcohol making a strong presence on the nose, a bit one dimensional with a touch of hops. Taste: Grainy offness in each sip high alcohol isn't hidden well at all, semi sweet graininess and off bitter grainy finish not that great. Mouthfeel: Medium bodied strong lager not my cup of tea I've had better German and American brewed versions. Drinkability: Lacks many characteristics to bring a high level of drinkability, getting one down is a job not well constructed a bit harsh with the grainy offness and overbearing alcohol.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

04-16-2004 05:15:18 | More by WVbeergeek

UncleJimbo

Massachusetts

3.28/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Sampled on tap at the Las Vegas brewpub.

This bock poured a clear, golden color with white foam that settled. The smell was very light malt with some sweetness. The taste was lightly malty with minimal hop bitterness. There was a touch of caramel sweetness, a hint of butterscotch and phenols. The alcohol was well hidden. The mouthfeel was smooth with medium-light body and low carbonation. The flavor lingered for a fleeting moment. This beer was OK, though a bit thin for such a high ABV bock.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

03-10-2004 10:07:43 | More by UncleJimbo

jcalabre

California

2.45/5  rDev -27.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

I originally sampled this beer on October 1, 2002. I am writing this review from my notes.
There is nothing special about this beer. It has a slightly malty flavor with a little bit of bite at the end. I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for it. Another mediocre beer from a brewpub chain that specializes in producing mediocre beers.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

08-08-2003 03:25:01 | More by jcalabre

jreitman

California

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

Blonde in color with a dark tan, persistent head. Carbonation comes through on the mouth as an acidic tang. A nice sweetness comes through as do some nice grain. A very soft bitterness comes out in the finish. Mouthfeel was medium-light. From the downtown Seattle pub.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

06-25-2003 10:32:46 | More by jreitman

drewbage

California

3.48/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

(From the GB Burbank location)

Straw gold in a full half liter glass. Head is low and tight and drops fairly quickly. Aroma is dominated by German malt graininess. First impression of the flavor is of a sweet approach with minimal hops and a finish that fades quickly. The sweetiness carries in a German malt richness.

The real thing to ponder with this beer is the overwhelming smoothness of it in the face of 7% alcohol. The fact that this is a very drinkable beer makes it a dangerous bar stool beer.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

05-28-2003 13:08:30 | More by drewbage

Gusler

Arizona

4.15/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The first time I’ve tried this beer in almost 3 years, I guess I’m way over due. Limpid golden amber color on the pour, head is modest in size, frothy in consistency, tan in color and a nice lace formed to cover the glass. Malt dominated nose, light floral tones, and crisp sweet and quite pleasant to the senses with a malt sweet start and the top middling. Finnish has a perky acidity, big hop spicy bite, light but robust, dry and lingering aftertaste and real top notch bock that does the style proud.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Avenue #250, Miami

03-30-2003 11:07:50 | More by Gusler