United Nations of Beer

Summit Maibock

by Bill Cassidy
(Beer Delegate, MN, USA)

Summit Maibock (7.1% ABV)

It snowed all day. Listening to the television meteorologists, one would be led to believe that this snowstorm would end life on Earth as we know it. And yes, the weather was bleak.

However, more frightening than a foot of snow was this fact: I was out of beer. Dressed more appropriately for an arctic expedition than a quick beer run, I set out on foot.

After blocks of trudging through the snow, I arrived at the local liquor store. And there, to my amazement, a surprise awaited: a fresh 12-pack of Summit Maibock.

How could this be? I mean, how could the world be facing its snowy demise as a springtime beer sits on the shelves?

I figured I could ponder this mystery while safely at home enjoying a beer on what could possibly be my last warm night, before the forecasted 12-18 inches of snow spelled the demise of Western civilization.

And with this beer, there is a lot to enjoy. Bock is a German-style lager, sometimes known as "strong beer". Varieties have been brewed for centuries, usually as part of a celebration or festival.

While most traditional bocks are darker, Maibock is a lighter variety. Therefore, Maibock is a traditional celebration of spring, hence the name. (Mai is German for "May". Duh.)

Summit Brewing's rendition of this old favorite doesn't disappoint. Its vibrant orange color is a welcome contrast to the dullness of a long Minnesota Winter. The malts are strongest with this brew and very sweet: caramel tastes run wild. The hops are just strong enough to balance the sweetness, making for a great all-round beer.

One thing to watch out for is the alcohol content. At 7.1% ABV, this one lives up to the "strong beer" reputation.

Well, it turns out we were fine. Me, friends, family, the state of Minnesota, the planet Earth, we all survived, even if we had a little shoveling to do. Good thing, too. Now, I’ve got all spring long to enjoy the Summit Maibock while it lasts.