Trader Joe's Hofbrau Bock

Trader Joe's Brewing Company, San Jose, CA
Bottled: July 11, 2006
Sampled: Jan. 20,2007
Cost: $4.99/ Six Pack exclusively at Trader Joe's

While winter has yet to prove its worth, Trader Joe's foray into the heaviest of German beer styles does. Trader Joe's sports a fine beer selection, but it keeping with its direct from the manufacturer motif, it sells a line of beers under its own name. The Hofbrau (translating to "Beer of royalty") is several shades lighter than TJ's Winterfest (a doublebock), yet a comfortable winter libation all the same.

The biggest surprise is the color and nose - being more accustomed to double bocks and their heavy molasses, licorice and chocolate flavors, I wasn't ready for reddish orange body and the subtle malty nose with ever-so-slight burnt orange hints.

Since it does weigh in at 7 percent alcohol by volume, I have to once again remember that strong beer and heavy beer do not necessarily describe the same beverage.

To taste, the orangeness works well with a slight pepperiness prior to the finish, skillfully defying my expectations. Where it hits a snag is in the finish; it closes off sourly, as if the Hallertau hops and the different malts fail to mesh completely.
Fortunately, over time the sour finish fades rather than builds (as most bad beer flourishes do).

A little sediment rings the bottle's bottom, but the Hofbrau comes off most clean and clear. Though it's a little high on the alcohol content side, TJ's Hofbrau Bock could serve well as a winter session beer - if you can get past that initial sour finish.

Rating: 6.5/10