Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock

Brewed by Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Style: Heller Bock
Palo Alto, California USA

You know, I could have sworn I tasted a couple of these GB’s before, but looking at the ratings I see this is my first! Perhaps the administrators deleted something I forgot about. 12 oz brown bottle for $1.25. At first, after you pop the lid you get a slight cooked cabbage smell that is overwhelmed with a yeasty rising bread dough aroma. After you dispense it into the mug, that smell fades to a sweeter fruity strong ale smell, it gives the impression that this will be a stronger alky brew. The color and appearance of this brew is the same as your typical pale yellow american lager. The taste is definitely bockish, medium strong initial hit with some alky attributes. Has a little malty bitterness on the back of the throat but it is not an uncontrolled bitterness. Also, the bitterness does not build with each sip. It remains at a reasonable well behaved level. Mild to low carbonation, wishing there was a bit more. Overall, a little less than I expected but on par with Hofbräu München Maibock, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Flying Dog Heller Hound Bock and Erie Brewing Golden Fleece Maibock. However, not quite as good as Nova Paka Valdstejn or Victory St. Boisterous Hellerbock. I must also mention that heller is not one of my fave styles.

One of the better beers from the restaurant - in my opinion. Very light, but surprisingly good flavor for a lighter beer.

Sampled a few times. Pour is nice and gives a good head. It goes down very smoothly but has a lot to be desired in flavor. Very weak and makes you wanting more. Very few spices.

From Safeway in Eureka. Poured a clear rich yellow with a small white head and moderate lacing. Nose of sweet malts and hops, with a touch of fruit. Palate is rich and the flavor is malts, hops, and spices. Good crisp finish. Good brew.

Bottle from Beer on the Wall. Dark straw pour with pale malt, slight honey, hopcit, and apricot aroma and flavor. Pretty rich, creamy palate. I’d drink this again any day of the week.

Pour is clear gold with thin white head. Aroma of sweet malt and fruit. Flavor is sweet and malty with notes of light fruit and grain. Light to medium mouthfeel. Actually not that bad.

Great example of this traditional German style. Golden, clear and malty and very enjoyable.

Clear copper with a center fount of carb and a frail head. Aromas of apples, pears and tofee. Sweet malt taste and a sweet malty finish. Good but seems fairly insubstantial compared to a good dark german doppelbock.