Names are funny

Naming conventions for beer are a little peculiar to say the least. The Märzen, or March beer, is brewed in March but drunk in fall of the next year. The Maibock, or May bock, is a strong, malty lager beer which is also brewed in March (or earlier these days) but drunk in May. Michael Jackson’s beerhunter site has more on the origin of that particular tradition here.

Lighter than the Lenten Doppelbocks (known as Starkbier in the south), the Maibock still has some kick at 6 plus percent alcohol. It’s nice beer to welcome in spring. The traditional Maibock is that from Einbeck, in the north of Germany, but US microbreweries are also brewing fine Maibocks for the season. Two which come to mind are Stoudt’s and Smuttynose, although there are many others to choose from.

Check out your local Maibock and let us know what you think.