Maibock by Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company is being evaluated as a Helles Bock (Category 4C) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines.
This beer poured brilliantly clear, with a rich golden color and a soft thick white head with long lasting persistence. It was beautiful to look at the many bubbles rising to the top.
Malty sweet in the aroma, with very low hop/yeast spiciness with some lighter touches of floral and fruity esters. Grainy malt notes come through with a white bready character.
The flavor mirrors the aroma in the malt and esters arena. The bitterness is moderately-high, and the dry, lager-like finish lingers for a while in the aftertaste. This beer is finely balanced towards the sweet, bready, slightly grainy malt but not too much so. A fine reminder that it is the lightest member of the Bock family.
The body and carbonation are medium with a small amount of warmth representing the style quite well. A pleasant mouthfeel that beckons another sip as you crave some more of the complex maltiness.
This is one very well made and easy-drinking lager. It exemplifies the Helles Bock style by hitting all the characteristics and drinkability. Clean, malty, lightly spicy and dry -- this is one beer that’s hard to put down, and would pair well with a grilled Bratwurst topped with some grainy mustard. Prost!