For those of you who have not been paying attention it's been hot the past few days, I mean really hot. I am not complaining in the least because I made a vow back when it was 20 degrees outside that no matter how hot it got this summer I would not raise my voice in protest to the heat and humidity. So last night, sweat beading on my brow, I reached for a bottle of Ayinger Weizen-Bock, a wheat bock ale from Brauerel Aying, Ayinger's brewery just 40 minutes southeast of Munich.
As I poured the beer I noticed a light, foamy head that dissipated pretty quickly without much trace of any lacing on the glass. It had the typical zesty, fruity wheat beer aroma. Weizen-bocks are brewed to be as strong as a bock which gives them a fuller body and enhanced flavors. I found the first few sips to be very refreshing and tasty, however I did think it was a bit more watery than I had anticipated and was pretty carbonated; it almost felt like I was drinking a Sprite. This turned me off a little bit because I really enjoyed the flavor, but was not a fan of the bloated, gassy feeling that I had.
The Ayinger Weizen-Bock is a pretty highly regarded beer according to Ratebeer.com (with an overall score of 98) and Beeradvocate.com (which gives it an A-). I found it to be a pretty drinkable brew, but because of the carbonation I probably couldn't drink more than one. I'd suggest giving it a try and seeing what you think; besides, it has a cute goat holding a beer on the label.
