Born Under the Sign of Capricorn

Bock beer traces its origin to Northern Germany and the city of Einbeck - probably as far back as the 1400s. By the time the 1600s rolled-around popularity had spread and it was being brewed in the land of my birth - Southern Germany.  Einbeck was pronounced as “Einbock” in the Bavarian accent of the region – and “einbock” loosely translates to “billy goat” in German.

Coincidentally, bock beers are brewed under the sign of Capricorn (The Goat) and consumed during Lent and Easter. The monks of Bavaria brewed this beer to sustain them during their Lenten fasts (I am not making that up). 

Maibock, also known as Helles Bock, is associated with springtime and the month of May. It is lighter in color than traditional bocks but has a similar ABV. A little less malty than its darker cousin maibock has a drier and hoppier character. 

Bock beer has been brewed in Wisconsin for longer than 150 years and pictured is a paler Bock brewed from two row barley malt and European hops.  Sweet clover honey is added to the kettle mellowing the flavor notes like those of a Maibock. It's a seasonal brew meaning you have to enjoy it subject to shortened availability. 

It's a tropical 60 degrees on the south side of the porch so I'm savoring this adult beverage in the spring sunshine while the smoker out back is smoking dinner. 

Cabin Fever - New Glarus Brewing

6% ABV     

Prosit!