Tröegs Scratch Series #253 Bock Beer Is an Echt Success

We tasted Scratch #69 in 2013 and thought maybe Tröegs should keep to the ales that they had done so well. The whole point of the Scratch series, however, is to have room to hit and miss. The 2016 return to the bock style, Scratch #253, is a hit.

On our first tasting, we liked it but questioned its authenticity – its “echt” factor. But coming back to it, it seems to be quite within the range of German originals.

Authentic Color and sweetness characterize Toregs Bock #253

Bock beers aren’t designed to lay down, but this one has held up quite well for at least three months and we assume that the moderately full alcohol and low hops may keep it in shape for a while longer.

Tasting notes: Bock beers are a middle range between the dark doppelbocks and the golden Maibocks. Lots of caramel and malt early; just a hint of finishing hops balances a bit. At the end, however, sweet chewy notes take over. A bit of Juicy Fruit and Honeysuckle brighten without distracting. Bock styles in Germany range from fairly dark to a dark gold. This sports a deep and beautiful slightly buttery copper that that prepares the palate well for the rich smoothness in the aftertaste. It is sweet, but the 18 IBUs cut the sweetness with floating delicate floral taste and approach an echt moreishness.

Pairings: Many writers suggest steak, specifically rib eye, and we don’t disagree, but we’d rather choose a good pale ale or something darker than a regular bock for red meat. Our choice for a bock would be a roasted chicken, preferably one that’s been herbed and roasted. Lighter lagers go well with these chickens too, but the depth that the bock provides brings an extra dimension to a dish that can, after all, taste like chicken.