Aass Bock

Brewed by Aass Bryggeri
Style: Dunkler Bock
Drammen, Norway

Deep garnet color with a diminutive head that didn’t last too long. Aroma is straight malt - caramel and toffee. Initial sip is also big on malt and the beer tends to become more complex as it warms by gaining in body and creaminess. No discernable hop content. Finishes lightly sweet and has a creamy aftertaste that coats the mouth. Enjoyable.

OK, I admit it, I couldn’t stop laughing at the name of this beer. Too bad I can’t find a bar that serves it so I can say ’gimme an Aass Bock.’ Beyond the unfortunate name, there is much to be admired, a malty aroma (no descernable hops anywhere though) a creamy smooth, sweet flavor and a malty aftertaste. I would have liked a bit of hop flavor though, otherwise quite nice. PS: since I wrote this I’ve gotten a number of e-mails telling me the proper way to pronounce the name of this beer. Sorry, but the Beavis in me can’t help but snicker.

Head is initially average sized, frothy, off-white, mostly diminishing. Body is clear medium orange-brown. Aroma is moderately malty (toasted dark bread, nutty, roasted grain, mild coffee, caramel), with notes of toffee and vanilla. Flavor is moderately sweet, lightly bitter. Finish is lightly sweet, moderately bitter, lightly acidic. Medium body, creamy texture, lively carbonation, lightly astringent. Complex malty aroma, good flavor balance, and a nice mouthfeel.

Re-Rate 06/10/02: Deep garnet, large beige head, decent lace. Nose malt, hints of caramel, front is sweet, the top is light, the finish is dry, acidic, lightly hopped, drinkable, but a little ’Weak’.

Nice reddish colour. Mild caramel taste and some fruityness. Probably the best beer of Norway, but not the king of bocks.

This beer is outstanding! By far, the best bock I have ever had. Pretty orange-maroon color, small head. Aroma of roasted malty caramel. Taste was excellent...somewhat complex for a bock....molasses, caramel, rounded out perfectly with a crisp hop finish....this beer kicks aass!

Cola like appearance/color. Pale brown head - loose and carbonated - dissipates quickly. Decent aroma - deep roasted malt. Flavors seemed very subtle - malt dominates, not really sweet, didn’t notice any hops. Overall seemed a bit ’light’ in style, flavor and body.

Reddish brown body with a small head. Nose is sweet and malty and quite enticing. Has a good full, buttery mouthfeel. Flavor rivals Celebrator--sweet and malty with just a touch of bitterness, with a complex array of chocolatey/toffee/coffee notes.