There is some debate as to the origins and meaning of the term Bock as a descriptor of beer. Many reference books state that it derives from the German town of Einbeck, which was noted for strong ales. Many German brewers, however, are sceptical.

In Germany Bock means brewed at a certain original gravity (16°Plato) and Doppelbock, means brewed stronger still. Elsewhere, Belgium for instance, it just means strong. Consequently ‘Bock’ is not really a beer style. You can have wheat bocks, dark bocks, old bocks, light bocks and smoke bocks.

Meantime Old Smoked Bock is made with a blend of Munich and smoked malts, plus generous quantities of classic German hops varieties - Perle and Spalter.

If ‘chewy’ makes any sense when describing a beer then Old Smoked Bock is definitely a chewy beer, with a savouriness that reminds you that these old style beers were, for most people, food as well as drink.

This is a beer to go with hearty warm winter food; casseroles, heavily sauced meats, or strong cheese with tangy pickle and brown bread.


Foto: Magnus Bark - Ofiltrerat.se