I’m usually pretty wary around bocks. I’ve never been a huge fan. Perhaps I’ve just never really “got” the style. I used to say the same thing about Imperial Stouts until last year when I picked up a Samuel Smith Imperial Stout that the style finally clicked. Now it’s a style that I go to fairly regularly. I guess the same can now be said about Bocks.
Ayinger Weizenbock may have helped me get into bocks. While I do realize this is different from a true bock, it’s close enough to get me there (I now have several bocks and doppelbocks in my fridge)! Weizenbock is in fact a wheat bock, or a strong wheat ale. You can best describe it as an “Imperial Weissbier/Hefeweizen.” Weizenbock was first brewed in 1995 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Ayinger’s wheat beer and was added to their lineup as a winter seasonal.
Appearance: Cloudy gold, off-white head, great retention.
Aroma: Clove, banana, spice, banana bread
Taste: Clove, banana, bready, lemon creme, super spicy finish. Crisp wheat balance
Overall Impression: The mouthfeel is nice and viscous with a slight sweetness. The carbonation contributes to the mouthfeel and keeps it nice and velvety without being too thick. The finish is medium/long in length. This is a thoroughly enjoyable beer, and one that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I love Bavarian wheat beers, and now I love this Bavarian weizenbock. This seasonal should satisfy a whole host of beer fans. I highly recommend you pick up a bottle or three while it’s available.
Availability: Seasonally where German beers are sold. Imported by Merchant du Vin.
7.1% ABV
Note: This bottle was sent to me by Merchant du Vin for review.
2 thoughts on “Ayinger Weizenbock”
I have never really cared for bocks, either. However, nearly all the bocks I’ve ever had have come from American breweries.
Perhaps it’s time to expand my horizons?
If you like Bavarian Wheat ales, this would be a good transition bock. I’ll also be posting more bock reviews as I work my way through the beers in the coming day.