Genesee Bock Beer

Two things that I generally frown upon but I am sometimes guilty of are buying cheap beer and hoarding. But sometimes you are on a budget and sometimes you can't part with an ugly polyester bowling shirt that you haven't worn in years because at any moment an occasion might call for it. Nevertheless both of those things become common place in Upstate New York every late winter/early spring when the Genesee Brewery releases their Bock Beer.

Genesee Bock Beer to some is a well kept secret. A surprisingly good beer released by a brewery that produces a Cream Ale commonly referred to as a “Screamer” for its effects on the digestive systems of its drinkers. To others it's an afterthought because of the reputation of the product I just mentioned. And while you will never see me touch a Genesee Cream Ale, I along with beer drinkers from all over Rochester, NY and the surrounding areas flock to the grocery store every January in search of Bock Beer.

Over the past few years, Genesee Bock Beer has attained a cult-like status among beer drinkers who have affectionately nicknamed it “The Goat” after the logo on it's bright green can. In fact, the beer is so beloved that some will actually buy enough of it in January to last the rest of the year. I commonly wonder if this beer was available year round, would Bock Beer have the same loyal following? Or would it be lost in the fold like so many other beers?

Bock Beer does distance itself from other cheap beers with its' beautifully dark red color and thick tan head. The aroma is full of caramel sweetness with a hint of honey. Upon tasting, the caramel malt dominates the flavor before it finishes with a hint brown sugar and a mild hop bitterness to balance the sweetness. Bock Beer then washes away clean to cap off a pleasant beer drinking experience.

And while it may be a pleasant beer drinking experience, it's not an exceptional one. Perhaps the biggest con of Bock Beer might just be the fact that it plays it perfectly safe. It tries to walk the line between causal beer drinkers and experienced beer drinkers. And while this is perfectly fine, this might explain its seasonal appeal. Beer drinkers try it, like it and then forget about it. By the time it is re-released the cycle begins all over again.

Overall I'd give it a 3/5. It looks good, it tastes good and it's inexpensive. You really can't go wrong with trying it. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking.


Rating Scale:
1 - Repugnant and undrinkable
2 - Acceptable but forgettable
3 - Good, worth a purchase
4 - Excellent, a step above the norm
5 - Truly exceptional　

To discuss this blog or all things beer follow me on Twitter & Untappd at @ACraftyLook

For more beer reviews go to: http://acraftylook.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading. Sláinte!

A Crafty Look at Miller Fortune

For a lot of people shopping for beer can be just like trying to find something to watch on Netflix. You go in looking for something new and exciting but after 10 minutes of looking you choose something that's safe, familiar or nothing at all. The purpose of this blog will be to help inform you what is out there and if it is worth your consideration. That being said you may not always agree with the opinions in this blog but if they lead you into finding something you like, then I feel I've done my job.

Since this is a brand new blog, I've decided to start it off with a brand new beer whose advertising display is currently taking up plenty of space in my local beer isles. That beer is Miller Fortune. Now starting a beer blog off with a famous brewery like Miller is not exactly the adventurous start one might expect. But my interest was peaked by a major brewery trying to market a Bourbon style Golden Lager and I can't imagine I am the only one.

For the past few years beer giants like Budweiser, Miller and Coors have tried to keep up with the public's growing interest in Microbreweries and with mixed results they have tried to diversify their lineup by brewing beers that cater to the microbrew crowd. And for every success story like Coors' Blue Moon, there is a failure like Budweiser American Ale. As I stared at the giant display I wondered which side of the coin Miller Fortune would fall on. After tasting it, I unfortunately think it's going to be the latter. Although, that is not to say that Miller Fortune is a horrible beer.

After pouring from a cool-looking 12 oz bottle, Miller Fortune displays a clear amber color with a thin white head. The aroma is sweet with a hint of corn and for a brief moment actually reminded me of bourbon. But unfortunately upon tasting there is no bourbon in the flavor, just the familiar cheap Miller flavor we have all come to expect over the years. But before I could completely write this beer off something surprising happened and the beer finished with a very nice caramel sweetness that tries its hardest to momentarily to make you forget you're drinking something that's average at best.

On the plus side, what Miller Fortune may lack in overall flavor it makes up for in drinkability. The beer is surprisingly smooth and boasts a rather strong 6.9% ABV which it's pleasant aftertaste hides quite well. Basically what I am saying is if someone handed it to you at a party you'd enjoy it but forget about it the moment the bottle was empty. And with that being said, at 7 dollars a six pack your money is better spent else where.

Overall: I'd rate this beer 4.5 out of 10. It's basically Miller Genuine Draft with a higher alcohol content and a better aftertaste.




To discuss this column or all things beer follow me on Twitter at @ACraftyLook.

Thanks for reading. Sláinte!

About me

You might be thinking, "Why should I trust his opinion?" Well the answer is I am a beer enthusiast who over the past 10 years has sampled a broad range of beers from domestic, international and microbreweries. I appreciate all different kinds of beer. I do not have a particular favorite beer or a favorite style of beer. I always want to try something new and I rarely buy the same beer two times in a row. Also, when time allows I brew my own beer. All in all I enjoy beer and if you're reading this blog then I bet you do too. So I'll leave it up to you to decide. Cheers and enjoy!