I've been working my way through Harpoon's Leviathan series this summer, and it could be one of the better decisions I've made in recent memory. I would have to put it right up there with knowing when all the grocery stores have their ice cream selections on buy one get one free sales. We all have priorities, right? Anyway, I have made my way up to the Leviathan Über-Bock, and it is one that I have been anticipating for quite some time. I don't have much experience in the bock style, but it has been one that I have wanted to learn more about for some time. And I figure if Über is in my grasp, I should absolutely drink said Über.

In the glass, this one takes on the color of a slightly aged penny. A bit of a dark hued copper if you will. It comes with a bright white head that hangs around for a little while, but leaves little to no lacing. There is a big malty scent coming out of the glass before you can even get your nose headed towards it. Caramel and baked bread were easily distinguishable. Once you get past the malts, the smell of alcohol is hard to miss. Clocking in at 9% AVB, one can understand why. And then in some lower layers, you can even pick up on some dark fruits, like plums and raisins. I must say that this one has a very interesting nose to say the least.

When the first sip hits your tongue, you really get the bite from the 9%. It takes a minute or two to get used to the burn it leaves you with. Then after settling down, the rich malty body starts to take over. The caramel flavor is very sweet, and blends with the fruits noted in the nose before you know it. Bready malts take over from about the midpoint on, and they are very needed here to bring down the sweetness. At the end you get just the slightest bite that I again blame on the alcohol. This flavor train does a lot of moving, and at points it can get a bit confusing, especially for a bock. However, the mouthfeel is relatively clean, with just a bit of a sweet and bready caramel aftertaste that ends up being quite enjoyable.

I would have to say that for me, the Leviathan Über-Bock was an interesting and pretty drinkable brew. I don't think that it's for all beer camps, and more specifically, the beginners should pretty much not even look at it funny. Not only is it big in ABV, but some of the flavors might get confusing, to the point of spoiling a lesser experienced palate. Simply put, you're just not ready. Now for the more well versed drinkers, I'd definitely say give this one a shot if you see it. While it may not be the best bock I've ever had, it certainly deserves the credit its due. There is a lot going on in this one, and it makes for an interesting study beer. It is always nice when a brewery has a line of beers that all fall in the above average category. And after having yet another tasty beverage from this line, I would have to say that the Leviathan series continues to be can't miss.