The bock beer season has officially begun: The rich history of our favorite autumn classic

The bock beer season has officially begun: The rich history of our favorite autumn classic

The leaves are turning and the evenings are getting colder: the perfect moment to raise a glass with a sturdy, warming seasonal classic. With the start of the new bock beer season, beer lovers are once again diving into the complex flavors of caramel, toast, and dried fruit. But where does this beloved autumn tradition actually come from?

From medieval Einbeck to Bavarian brewing kettles The origin of bock beer takes us back to the 14th-century Northern German Hanseatic town of Einbeck. The local brewers made a heavy, strongly hopped beer that, due to its higher alcohol content, could be excellently preserved and exported. When Bavarian dukes brought a master brewer from Einbeck to Munich in the 17th century to copy this success, the name changed through the local Bavarian dialect: "Einbecker Bier" was corrupted into "Aainpöckisch Bier", which the locals quickly shortened to "Ein Bock" (A Billy Goat). With that, not only the name was born, but also the persistent tradition of depicting a billy goat on the label.

Whereas classic German bock beer is strictly bottom-fermented, Dutch brewers often give it their own creative twist with top-fermented autumn bocks, rich in roasted malts and full aromas.

To properly usher in the autumn, we have prepared an exclusive selection of this season's best bock beers for you.

 Below are our selected bock beers that you can reserve right now. Please note: Once it's gone, it's gone! (While supplies last)