This is the third time that I’ve had this in a year, having never previously seen it in the US. A favorite style from a trusted brewery, what’s not to like? I have no idea if the ‘BOCK COLLECTION’ on the label is particularly significant or not, but I’ve never seen it before.

It’s a slightly lighter colored pour than some Maibocks around, with lightly hazed buttery orange hue.

Nose gives away classic bread notes. The rich – oh so rich – malty goodness breaks over the tongue in waves. Plenty of doughy, light hoppy notes that are held together against the smooth, sweet malt backbone. There’s definitely a very light touch of honey, and some surprisingly grainy and herbal-like hops. Lovely lively carbonation makes it dance in the mouth. Bitterness as a bit of a pils-like, saaz or noble hops element in the aftertaste/far back-end. Interesting.

Quintessential example of the style? Not quite sure, but it’s close. Everything one would want in a great Maibock, packaged beautiful and with skill. So wish I had been able to get this beer way before my experiences during the last year. Truly lovely.