maibock

Maibock, also spelled Mai-Bock, is a pale lager beer brewed as a spring seasonal in Germany, most closely associated with Bavaria. It belongs to the bock family, a group of stronger lagers, but Maibock is lighter in color and more refined in character than darker bocks. The style is traditionally released in the spring to celebrate the month of May and the milder weather.

Typical characteristics include a pale to golden-amber color, a clean and smooth malt profile with biscuit, bread, and subtle caramel notes, and a moderate to noticeable hop presence that provides balance without overpowering the malt. Finishes tend to be dry to lightly austere, with a medium to full body and a relatively higher alcohol content for a lager, commonly around 6 to 7.5 percent ABV. The beer is generally well-attenuated, producing a crisp, drinkable feel despite its strength.

Brewing and lineage: Maibock is a development from traditional Bock beers, often crafted with Munich or pils malt and fermented with lager yeasts. Decoction mashing is sometimes used to enhance malt complexity, and hops are typically restrained to support the malt backbone. The style emphasizes a refined balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, resulting in a beer that is malty yet drinkable.

Serving and reception: Maibock is traditionally enjoyed in spring, served in a tall, slender beer glass or a standard pint, around 8–12°C (46–54°F) to accentuate the aroma and flavors. In regional markets, it is valued as a seasonal specialty and is also found in craft beer selections outside Germany.