As with other examples of the style, Mill Street Brewery’s Weizenbock does not fit our preconceived notions about German beer. It’s dark and strong, brewed with ale yeast and full of sweet, fruity flavours.
End-to-end this beer is packed with those characteristics of overripe fruit that, when combined with a healthy dose of warming alcohol, go so well with long, chilly evenings.
In more detail, the Weizenbock pours a hazy amber-brown with a caramel-tinged cap. The aroma leans to fallen crabapples and the sweet candy-like notes that beer guides call “bubblegum”.
The flavour starts quite sweet with a middle of roasted malt and yeast-create esters that combine to create a passable resemblance to banana bread.
Those walk-through-an-orchard flavours and aromas will become more complex with a bit of age. A few months will also take the edge off the subtle, but noticeable alcohol heat in the background.
The Weizenbock is part of Mill Street’s Holiday Celebration Sampler that includes their Distillery Ale, seasonal favourites Cobblestone Stout and Vanilla Porter as well as mainstays Tankhouse and Mill Street Organic. The mix pack is available at the LCBO and the Weizenbock can be found in pubs, including the two Mill Street operates in the Distillery District.
Mill Street Brewery’s Weizenbock, part of the Holiday Celebration Sampler six-pack, $13.85, LCBO #361170
In addition to covering beer, new restaurants and food trucks for Post City, David Ort writes about food and drink for several Toronto publications including his own site, Food With Legs. He is also the author of the upcoming Canadian Craft Beer Cookbook. For more of his thoughts on food, beer and life in general, follow him on Twitter or get in touch at info@foodwithlegs.com.