Overall Impression
A strong, dark, malty German lager beer that emphasizes the malty-rich and somewhat toasty qualities of continental malts without being sweet in the finish.
Appearance
Light copper to brown color, often with attractive garnet highlights. Good clarity despite the dark color. Large, creamy, persistent, off-white head.
Aroma
Medium to medium-high rich bready-malty aroma, often with moderate amounts of rich Maillard products or toasty overtones. Virtually no hop aroma. Some alcohol may be noticeable. Clean lager character, although a slight dark fruit character is allowable.
Flavor
Medium to medium-high complex, rich maltiness is dominated by toasty-rich Maillard products. Some dark caramel notes may be present. Hop bitterness is generally only high enough to support the malt flavors, allowing a bit of malty sweetness to linger into the finish. Well-attenuated, not cloying. Clean fermentation profile, although the malt can provide a slight dark fruit character. No hop flavor. No roasted, burnt, or dry biscuity character.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full bodied. Moderate to moderately low carbonation. Some alcohol warmth may be found, but should never be hot. Smooth, without harshness or astringency.
History
Originated in the Northern German city of Einbeck, which was a brewing center and popular exporter in the days of the Hanseatic League (14th to 17th century). Recreated in Munich starting in the 17th century. “Bock” translates to “Ram” in German, which is why the animal is often used in logos and advertisements.
Characteristic Ingredients
Munich and Vienna malts, rarely a tiny bit of dark roasted malts for color adjustment, never any non-malt adjuncts. Continental European hop varieties are used. Clean German lager yeast.
Style Comparison
Darker, with a richer malty flavor and less apparent bitterness than a Helles Bock. Less alcohol and malty richness than a Doppelbock. Stronger malt flavors and higher alcohol than a Märzen. Richer, less attenuated, and less hoppy than a Czech Amber Lager.
Vital Statistics
IBU
20 - 27
SRM
14 - 22
OG
1.064 - 1.072
FG
1.013 - 1.019
ABV
6.3% - 7.2%
Commercial Examples
Aass Bock, Einbecker Ur-Bock Dunkel, Kneitinger Bock, Lindeboom Bock, Schell’s Bock, Penn Brewery St. Nikolaus Bock.Past Revision
Dunkles Bock (2015)Style Attributes
amber-color, bock-family, bottom-fermented, central-europe, high-strength, lagered, malty, traditional-style
Comments
Decoction mashing plays an important part of flavor development, as it enhances the caramel and Maillard flavor aspects of the malt.