Harpoon 100 Barrel Series #09 - Maibock

Formerly brewed at Harpoon Brewery
Style: Heller Bock
Boston, Massachusetts USA

Nothing surprising; somewhat predictable. Not one of my favorite styles. Smooth, but could be greater-bodied.

2005 100 barrel series bottle. Pour reveals a medium auburn colored beer, with light orange/copper tinges, very clear and filtered as all Harpoons are. Off-white head is initially large, but settles to a well-retained cover of foam. Aroma smells of bits of caramel and toffee, and lots of fruitiness. We’re talking ale yeast fruitiness, which is strange. Hints of floral hops in the aroma as well. Dry nuttiness, almost a cardboard sort of thing, dulls the aroma though, and even from a snifter, I have to strain to pull much aroma from it. Flavor is even worse than the aroma, IMHO. Right away you are greeted by a dull, almost fully attenuated body, with no substantial malt sweetness, just some light hops flavor, soily, earthy notes, hints of dry fruits (peaches, raspberries, apricots) and then a mineral water and cardboard finish. Retronasal floral hops are pleasant, but ultimately can not make up for a beer that should have some sweet, thick malt. Too much carbonation, which is forced and disruptive. Bit of acidity, husky grains, dry to the extreme for the style. I poured most of mine out.

I love maibocks, and I loved this one. Pours coppery with aroma of caramel malt, some fruit, hops. Tastes bockish with fruit, hops, and a sweet and bitter finish. Very good.

22 oz bottle, now part of the "100 Barrel" series (but I think the same beer as before). Bright clear dark copper-orange, thick frothy head and lots of lace -- quite lovely...massive caramel aroma from the bottle, cedar and sweet berries prominent once in the glass...moderately sweet front, dry middle through the finish, somewhat woody and acidic, bit of tobacco harshness, full thick malts throughout. Well done but unspectacular.

This is definately one of Harpoon’s better brews. Deep chewy malts, fruity, nutty, pungent and strong. Medium body, well balanced, citrus, spice, and faint alcohol in the finish.

This is one of Harpoons better outings, along with their IPA and their Winter Warmer. Good springtime beer, emphasizing freshness without going to the extremes of an IPA, ESB, or other "harsher" beers. A bit fruity to start, with a nutty/malty finish. Nicely balanced and easy to drink.

Nice fruity/nutty flavor with some bite at the end. Pungent/strong aroma and not much head. Clean finish.

Kind of watery and murky-looking for a bock, but otherwise pretty good. Aroma of spices, gingerbread and oatmeal. The flavor is very roasty, with hints of oats from the aroma making an entrance. Slight citrus notes. There is something about the flavor that reminds me of a barley wine. Smooth, clean finish. This is a pretty darn good spring beer.