It's rare that you see a beer actually marketed as a Maibock, so when I saw this one from Fort Collins I had to grab it. If you aren't aware, a Maibock is a seasonal type of bock that is usually enjoyed in...wait for it...the month of May. Actually, anytime in the spring is the optimal time to get your hands on one of these. Normally, they have a bit of a lighter color than a typical bock, but still have the strength and flavor characteristics with maybe a bit more of a hop kick. I think I'm getting a little too technical now, and maybe I should just say that a good Maibock can be quite the tasty beer.

When you pour this beer, the color can catch you a little by surprise. I know that I said normally a Maibock CAN have a bit of a lighter color than a normal bock, but this one is dangerously close to a normal bock. Its not all the way there, but its close. If you look at the helpful pic, look at the middle and bottom section of the glass. That's the real color of it. A rich, golden brown. Its very nice to look at if you want to know the truth. The aromas that I catch onto are of malts, caramel, and toffee. I also get hit with a bready smell, and some hints of sugar. Nothing bad coming through for sure.

When you go for that first taste, you find yourself hoping that the flavors follow along with the aromas, and you are not disappointed. There is a big sweet pop of malty caramel up front. The toffee comes through more as highlights as opposed to a backbone flavor. It takes a minute to let all the sweetness settle in. After you do, you really get a curve ball thrown at you. There are some spice notes in there that I can in no way attribute to hops. Its like a muted cinnamon feel. I think the buttery bread flavor helps tone it down a bit, but trust me, its quite the pleasant kick. The hop flavor at the end is sweet and floral, rather than citrusy and bitter. I only faintly tasted the alcohol in there. Seeing as how it was a 22oz offering, I had plenty of opportunities. Believe me, I took every single one of them. I think the lack of an alcohol kick can be attributed to the combination of a great mouthfeel, along with a well balanced line up of some really good flavors.

I think all in all, this is a pretty enjoyable offering. It is easy to drink, smooth, and has a lot of flavor to it. I would highly recommend it to those that would consider themselves novice or beginners. Its not a huge punch in the face with anything offensive, but you can still get the ''experience'' of the bock category. I think that after drinking this beer, and it taking me all the way to the end of this review, I finally have a way to describe it. Its a great gateway brew. It's not the greatest Maibock I've ever had, but it still is a great effort. I wouldn't tell any of my more experienced friends to seek it out, but if you see it and are in the mood for a Maibock, go ahead and pick it up. It drinks like a good Maibock should, but there are better ones out there.