Maibock/Helles Bock
Meaning “May Bock,” Maibock was popular at German springtime festivals and as cold seasons turned to warm. With this nod to history, today it has emerged as a popular spring seasonal style among American craft brewers. “Helles” makes another appearance (see Munich Helles Lager), denoting its color as the lightest of the Bock styles. Generally deep golden, it displays rich, pale malt aromas and bready, toasty flavor notes. Noble hop character is more prominent than in other Bock styles and contributes more balancing bitterness to the malt sweetness. Its smooth and clean lager mouth-feel finishes dry. Like most Bock styles, Maibocks / Helles Bocks are generally higher in alcohol than other lagers.| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Malty, Bready, Toasty, Earthy, Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 6.2 – 8% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 22-36 |
| Popular Examples | Hofbräu Maibock, Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock, Primátor Maibock, Abita Andygator, Abita Bock, Fort Collins Maibock, Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock, Narragansett Bock, Smuttynose Maibock, Victory St. Boisterous |
| Serving Temperature | Cool, 46-54° |
| Glassware | Pilsner Glass, Stange, Beer Mug |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Asiago, Colby, Gruyère, Swiss cheese |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Spicy Asian, such as Thai or Korean barbecue, shellfish and fried foods |
