I going to come right out and say it. I’m not a huge fan of Bocks. I feel that their hardiness and malty features are better suited for ales and rather than lagers. However, I’m not saying that I completely hate them. If I were to drink a bock I would lean towards a Maibock over a Dopplebock any day. As it turns out this beer in front of me is a Dopple (Double) bock. I’ve had my fair array of bocks from breweries such as Captial, Spaten, Sam Adams, Abita, and Shiner. With the exception of Spaten, these are all American breweries. I have found EKU 28 restored some of my hope for enjoying the occasional Dopplebock.
On the back of the bottle there is the quote from Michael Jackson (not the singer). He is a world renowned beer coinsurer that has traveled the globe sampling a plethora of beers. The quote reads,
this world-famous brew had the character and richness to stand in for fine sherry or port. Just the right degree of sweetness-never cloying; wonderfully aromatic and warming. EKU 28 is the one whenever something good and hardy is needed…world classic.
I’d say that about sums it up nicely. There is a hazy copper tint to it with a ¼ inch head that dissipated in about 5 seconds. While I was pouring it I could smell the intense malt aromas and knew this beer could pack on the pounds. Typically stronger than traditional bocks this one comes in at 11%, but unlike an ale the alcohol has a more subtle, smooth quality due to the lagering. I appreciated this aspect very much. One waft and you’ll get nice hint of raisins, prunes, toasted malts, maybe some dates, and thick bread notes. The malts lead the way in this beer dancing across your tongue with a slightly heavy step. There is some bitterness, but I thought most of that come from the alcohol. While it is not that abrasive it carries a nice punch to it. Mr. Jackson (I am for real) was correct in saying that it could substitute for a sherry or port. Having had both I’d say it is closer to a sherry if anything. It is one of the better bocks that I’ve had, but still a slow sipper.
ABV: 11.0%
Grade: B