Style: Bock
Brewery: Brygghus 19
Origin: Sweden
Size: 44cl
Alcohol: 5.9%
Price: 35kr
Systembolaget: 32422
Brygghus 19 is a microbrewery and craft distillery located in Karlshamn and is well known for impressive can artwork. A bock is a style of strong German lager which was first brewed in the 14th century in Einbeck. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced “Einbeck” as “ein Bock” (“a billy goat”), and thus the beer became known as “Bock”, with a goat often appears as a symbol on labels. I knew I wanted a beer to pair with the fish courses in a Swedish Christmas dinner, so I thought this would be a good pairing, and I am happy to report that it is indeed!
This was deep amber coloured with a hint of haze and a head that dissipated rather quickly. The classic pale lager aroma is there, with cereal, white bread and a touch of hay and caramel to finish. The body was smooth and carried the full taste well, with the carbonation was just enough to keep it afloat. The cereal notes coupled up with nuts, toffee and honey to produce a lovely blend of tastes. The aftertaste was rather short with hints of dried grass, but left the mouth dry, crisp and wanting another sip.
This was a well-made bock that I enjoyed trying a lot. I think this is the perfect kind of beer for Christmas lunch, as the clean taste and aroma profiles would work really well with some fatty salmon or sill. Great job!