Beer Style Guide: Get to know Helles Bock and Dunkels Bock with Em Sauter
Bock beers aren’t made that much in America by larger breweries (I wish that would change!) but they have a fascinating history in Germany thanks to the popularity of lager brewing and to a pronunciation error.
The style of bock traces its roots back to the central city of Einbeck in Germany during the 14th century and was known as “Ainpöckisch Pier” (it is said Martin Luther was a huge fan when he tried it). When lager brewing became popular in the 17th century, the style would make its way to Bavaria and when pronounced with the Bavarian accent, it sounded like “bock.” The word “bock” is the German word for billy goat. The name “bock” stuck and the beer became associated with the billy goat and its symbol of spring and fertility. There’s usually a goat on the label as well in a fun, visual gag.
There are a few different kinds of bock beer but we will focus on two: Maibock or “May” bock is made in spring as a celebration of the coming warm weather (also called a Helles Bock) and a dunkles bock or traditional bock, which is darker and is the older of the two styles. The thread of all these beers is that they are stronger lagers, usually around 6.3-7.5%. We will discuss doppelbock, eisbock and weizenbocks in future columns.
Tasting Notes
With maibock, you’ll get a lot of graham cracker, grainy sweetness and toast. It’s usually slightly hoppier as well so there will be a low note of noble hop character. You’ll think maibocks would have a caramel sweetness to them but they don’t - it’s all about the toasty grain here.
For dunkles bock, the flavor and aroma is deeper and richer in terms of maltiness. If you’ve ever had a digestive biscuit in the UK, you’ll know what I’m talking about. The malt is really the star of the show in both these beers and showcases a depth of flavor in both styles that highlights why malt flavor and aroma really is important when it comes to beer.
Bocks, due to their higher ABV, are traditionally served in a glass called a “pokal.” This glass has nice straight sides and a small stem and comes in a variety of sizes. Germans are known for large beer glasses but they can also go small, knowing that the higher the ABV, the less you should be consuming.
Food Pairing
These beers are great for dinner parties and the alcohol complements richer foods. The deep maltiness would pair well with duck or roast chicken. Any roasted meat dish too like lamb chops pair well because the sweet graininess of the beer contrasts the salty meat. And then of course the bratwurst is the ultimate pairing: I am a sucker for anything salty/sweet and a dunkles bock and rich sausage just - YUM!
Beers to try
Einbecker Mai-Urbock
A bock from where the bock originated, Einbecker makes it to the states thanks to importer B. United, who is known for receiving tanks full of fresh beer and then canning them here in the states. They also import bottled product. Einbecker makes a few different types of bock as well.
Your local brewery
This is a cop out answer and I know it but there really aren’t many easy to find large brewery bocks out there except for some imported German options and few options only available in certain states. If you are looking for a maibock or dunkles bock, I highly recommend a visit to your local bottle shop or brewery to find one made close to you. I bet you can find one!