Weizenbock by Seedstock Brewery is being evaluated as a Weizenbock (2015 BJCP Category 10C). Upon pouring, it presents itself as a rich copper beer with near brilliant clarity that sits beneath a persistent, tan head comprised of small bubbles.
The nose is complex with bread crusts and spicy cardamom serving as the dominant aromas. Underlying alcohol wheat and caramel help round out the aroma. Background pomme esters and hints of clove emerge as it warms.
The flavor isn’t quite as rich as one would expect for style. Nonetheless, you’ll find the characteristic base of wheat tang, bread, bread crusts, and slight caramel that provides the backdrop for the fermentation character. In this regard, the spicy, peppery phenols are more prominent than the apple and pear esters and end up drying the finish of the beer a bit too much. Hop elements are nonexistent.
Seedstock’s Weizenbock is still sure to be a hit despite falling in between the pale and darker versions of the style. It provides plenty of character and intrigue without any significant faults. For this reviewer, it was the perfect beer on a cool autumn evening.