Beer of the Week

The beer: Bock Lesnar

The brewery: Rough Edges Brewing, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Description (from Untappd): "This full-bodied beer has a rich and toasty malt profile with a smooth amber hue, perfect for the colder months. Inspired by strength, it has bold flavor in every sip. This brew took home the championship belt at the 2025 Brewsgiving Festival in Pottsville, PA."

Would I buy it again? It's been a while since we've seen Rough Edges on here, but I was in Waynesboro for Thanksgiving dinner (not on Thanksgiving day, obviously) and had some time to kill. And I'm glad I did, because while this may not officially be a doppelbock, it's pretty much as good as. Same taste, same feel, same satisfaction. I love these kinds of beers, and as long as it's around, I'd buy more.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Strike a Chord

The brewery: Idiom Brewing Company, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "This Dunkel Bock boasts a robust malt character, caramel and toasted notes with a touch of dark fruits. A smooth, medium-body makes this complex brew approachable for all."

Would I buy it again? Not quite a dobbelbock, but close enough. It's got 90% of the flavor and feel of one, which pretty much automatically puts it into "I'll buy it again" territory. Just, not outside on a hot afternoon. Then this becomes a little tough to drink. 

Beer of the Week

The beer: Vernal Genesis

The brewery: Nepenthe Brewing Company, Baltimore, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "This love letter to German malt will keep you warm as we make the transition into Spring. Made from Pilsner, Vienna, and Munich. Hopped for balance with just enough Hallertau Mittelfrüh and lovingly lagered for several weeks. A deep burnished gold with a rich, bready, subtly sweet maltiness and a toasty complexity that gives way to a crisp, easy finish. It’s almost time to emerge from our collective hibernation."

Would I buy it again? This is the first of a trilogy of beers that I drank on location at Nepenthe, and it's a good one. I'm a fan of bocks, and Maibocks are no exception to that rule. It's bready and malty, but still quite easy to drink since it's not as thick or alcoholic as a doppelbock. I would buy this again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Mardi Gras Bock

Brewed by: Abita Brewing Company, Covington, Louisiana

Description (from the website): "Mardi Gras Bock is the first of our seasonal brews. Abita Bock is brewed with pale, pilsner and caramel malts and German Perle hops. Our bock is similar to German maibocks with its rich malt flavor and full body. A perfect choice during Carnival season in New Orleans. Gruyére, Emmental and Swiss are nice cheese choices with Bock. Great with roasted beef or pork. Try it with Mexican food, too."

Would I buy it again?: Yes. I'm a big fan of bocks, and while this one wasn't the best I've ever had, it was still very good. A malty taste, but not thick. Very easy to drink. A great beer for a spring evening.