Back in February of 2008, the Mendocino Brewing Company of Ukiah, California released a new beer: a spring seasonal bock. Stylistically, they called it a "Spring Bock", otherwise referred to as pale bock or Maibock. Such beers are a variant of the classic bock style, a bit stronger in alcohol than a standard bock and also notable for their golden color. Indeed, I've often thought of the style as a sort of a "stealth" beer, since its lighter color belies its powerful alcohol component.

I got my first taste of Mendocino Bock later that year, sometime in the fall actually, while sitting at Charlie Mopps Pub and watching a Patriots game. The beer was in the bottle, and I remember enjoying it well enough, so apparently it held up well enough over the summer. I recall thinking it more of a classic bock than a pale one, though how many beers I'd had before it I couldn't tell you.

I've always liked Mendocino beers. My particular six-pack was brewed at their facility in Saratoga Springs, New York rather than in California, but I've enjoyed many a tasty brew out of this location. The beers are always well-made, tasty, and reasonably priced. Mendocino Bock is no exception.

Here’s what they say:

Our Spring Seasonal Bock beer is a rich, malty, full bodied and traditionally brewed pale lager. This golden hued lager has been created to celebrate the coming of Spring and the start of a year that is replete with the promise of things to come.

And here’s what I say:

Mendocino Bock Beer pours to a dark golden color with a light and spritzy head formation and a soft and sweet malty nose. The palate is immediately very toasty to my taste, a bit nutty too and even a little chocolaty. I think that I like my pale bocks a bit paler, and I'm thinking they used a dash too much Munich or chocolate malt (probably the latter) here.

That said, Mendocino's take on a spring bock is a very taste brew with a delicious full body and a warming alcohol finish. At 7.0% by volume, this one packs a kick like a good goat should, and the extra alcohol along with the slightly grassy hops dry it nicely enough. And although it's not really my ideal of a pale bock in style, it's still a delicious beer and at about seven bucks a six-pack a real bargain. It certainly provides plenty of bang for the bock. Ahem. Anyway, it's also a warming treat on those still chilly spring evenings.

Stylistically, I find it a little off, but hedonistically I really am enjoying this beer. I think you will, too.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft



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