Millstream Brewing Company - Schokolade Bock

With their Schokolade Bock, Millstream set out to create a true-to-style bock, and they sure have succeeded. A holiday seasonal, it's normally available only from November to January, but Millstream was kind enough to brew us up a batch for this month's shipment and we're very grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy this classic brew with our members. Schokolade Bock pours a deep brown color – quite dark even for a bock – and is capped by a head of khaki foam. This brew is richly malty on the nose, presenting touches of dark chocolate with slight hints of coffee and a thread of roast. But it's on the palate where this bock shines the most, delivering bold flavor and impeccable balance. Look for a rich and hugely malty character without veering towards cloying sweetness. We picked up moderate toasty bread crust notes, dark chocolate and cocoa powder, deep-down caramel, and a wisp of smoke, all balanced by a dollop of hop bitterness and vibrancy. On the full side of medium-bodied and lagered (cold-conditioned) over one month in Millstream's cellars, this exceptional and bold bock is easily one of the best we've encountered from a non-German brewery, and is bold enough that we think Millstream could market it as a doppelbock. For pairing options, we'd go with roasted pork or grilled chicken thighs basted in a smoky BBQ sauce, German sausages, or, for a dessert option, chocolate cake with a caramel drizzle. Prost!

If ever there was a place long overdue for a new brewery, it was Amana, IA. Until the Millstream Brewing Company opened their doors in 1985, the area had not been graced by the presence of a brewery for over 100 years. Why it took that long to get a brewery going in Amana, we don't know. What we do know is that the Millstream Brewing Company, founded by brothers James & Dennis Roemig and Carroll F. Zuber, was the first microbrewery in the state of Iowa, and was born out of a love for the finest European ales & lagers and the will to brew great, handcrafted beers locally. Oh, another thing we know... 33 years after their beers hit the market, they just keep getting better!

In 2001 the brewery was sold to its current owners, Chris Priebe and Tom & Teresa Albert. Master brewer Chris trained at the world-famous Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology, so rest assured, his brewing skills make the cut on paper... But hey, paper doesn't taste all that great, so get to the tasting notes below and pour a couple Millstream beers for the real proof.

If you're ever in the area of Amana, IA, stop by Millstream's Brau Haus for some tasty German pub fare in addition to their excellent beers (as well as their hand-crafted root beer and cream soda). For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call 319-622-3672 or check out their web site at www.millstreambrewing.com.