Deschutes Brewery - Once A Decade Ale

I was attracted to this ale on the basis of its Jubel-ale label. I tend to like winter ales because of their spicy nature, but I was a little apprehensive because of the type that this one was. Being a bock style made me a little more apprehensive, but I decided to take the plunge anyways.

I poured it into my favorite pint glass and the strong aroma hit me right away. Malty and deep, silky but powerful. There was a slight twinge that I felt when I put my nose to the glass, I suspect that was part of the 10% ABV though. The nose was dominated by the oak that the ale was aged in. Apart from that I could detect caramel, sweetened ginger, and smoky fall leaves.

The first few sips were a little to cold to judge, but as the ale cooled I sensed it bloom. The flavors of salted cashews, walnut oil, and strangely avocado came forward. The dominant notes were followed by caramel and warm ginger bread; lightly peppery and sweet. I must say it was, in the end though, a somewhat lackluster experience. I am not really all that surprised however, my love/hate relationship with bocks continues.

Short, sweet, and uncomplicated. Meh.

2.8 out of 5 pints

Later

Deschutes Brewery - Once A Decade Ale

Anchor Brewing Co. - Anchor Bock Beer

I have a love/hate relationship with Bock style beers. I have really liked some, and despised others. So, this being one persons opinion, I decided to stay true to my taste buds.

The Anchor Bock Beer is robust to say the least. At first the nose hits you. Rich and slightly citrusy, you go in expecting a hearty fruit-filled experience. The question I thought with the first sip is, "Is it fruity, or could it be more nutty?" A clue... neither.

The hue of this beer is a deep brown chestnut with a rich clear shine. It's not 'dirty' colored unlike some bocks I have encountered. It produces a good head, but that dissipates about as quickly as my desire to continue to drink it. The best way I can describe the flavor profile is like this: oaky, smokey, pachoky! The hops and malts merge together in a some-what burnt manner, while all I can continue to think about when drinking it is "Mmmmmm, barbecue sauce!"

If hearty, chewy, and smokey are thing s you look for in your bock style ales, try this one. However, if you are going into this thinking "I would like to try a good Bock style ale.", then don't go for this little number.

1 out of 5 pints.