A Flowery Song

Background: Probably contract brewed by Gordon Biersch, this Trader Joe’s exclusive is brewed with imported malt and Hallertau hops.

Nose: Subdued grain, sweet golden syrup, and not much else.

Taste: Slight hints of spicy noble hops. Alcohol is on the evident side, with a hearty body. Pale malt with a bit of biscuit character.

Overall: Meh. Slightly candyish, and in all the flavour fails to impress.

Appearance: Dark reddish-brown, rocky brown head.

Nose: Toffee, molasses, and caramel with some fruitiness.

Taste: Rich malt with lots of dark and burnt sugar notes, a hint of cocoa and earthy hops, and a background of slight breadiness. Lightly bitter finish that fades quickly, leaving a hint of acid malt.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and slick, with moderate carbonation.

Overall: If I wanted to get pissy (and increase my beer snob cred) I could say that this strays a bit far from the traditional bock style–but I won't do that, as I feel that while it's somewhat different, it's firmly rooted in tradition. Also, it's good beer, and no pretensions to stylistic purity should be allowed to diminish that. Drink it. 's tasty.