So today, among other booze I’m reviewing, I’m also trying out the Ayinger Weizenbock. On the bottle, it says “Authentic Bavarian Weizen Bock” and I have to say, this brand is pretty consistent so far. I’ve tried their hefeweizen the previous weekend and unashamedly said that I liked their version of a hefeweizen when I’m not really that big into hefeweizens. This weizenbock does not disappoint although at the same time, I noticed a familiar “musky” flavor that I remember tasting in Hofbrau’s version of their hefeweizen. Very, very musky, as I remembered it. This one, the flavor is certainly there but this beer, as far as I know, is not a hefeweizen but rather a weizenbock.
Upon a quick Google search of what a weizenbock is, this website, The German Institute, describes the weizenbock as the stronger version of a hefeweizen or weissbier. So by their definition, it’s basically a hefeweizen but much stronger. Okay, I suppose that makes some sense in that I’m tasting this musky flavor but otherwise, it’s noticeably different because it isn’t as spicy and there are other flavors, mostly malt-like flavors that I’m tasting. Again, I apologize if I don’t have the vocabulary to properly describe this beer.
From the perspective of a casual beer drinker, I can say that the taste is pleasant on the whole except that moderate musky flavor that you’ll taste in the back of your palate after it has gone down the gullet. It’s also not very carbonated and I would say that the body is a solid medium. It’s not light and it’s not heavy. Definitely in the middle. In my opinion, it’s pretty alright.
The one thing I’ve noticed about this beer is that even on the first sip, it left a really sticky residue on my lips. Not a bad thing but it just something to take note of, if you care for that sort of thing. The nose smell is fairly sweet though but the ABV on this bottle is at a whopping 7.1%. Wow. That’s quite high for a 16.9 fl oz beer. As I’m typing this entry, I can already feel its alcohol effects fairly quickly even on a stomach full of food. (I had leftover dim sum for dinner, if you care to know).
If I had to say it, I liked Ayinger’s hefeweizen more than this one just for the sheer fact that the musky flavor is a bit off putting. Maybe it’s just me but after having had an experience with Hofbrau’s musky tasting hefeweizen, quite frankly it turned me off to this kind of flavor. Nevertheless, if I had a choice between this beer and Hofbrau’s hefeweizen, I would choose Ayinger’s version hands down. And even when there are no comparable beer in the bock beer category, if I had a choice between Hofbrau’s version and Ayinger’s, I would most likely choose Ayinger’s version for sure. But to be fair, when I had Hofbrau’s version, the bottle was long past its “best by date” so until the next time when I find a fresh bottle, I’ll come back and write a new review for it. For now, Ayinger’s weizenbock is a clear winner, even if not in the right category.
All in all, while not as good as their hefeweizen, this one was still pleasant on the whole except the moderate musky aftertaste and the sticky residue that it leaves on one’s lips.
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