I have mentioned before that my choice for an ‘everyday beer’ is Yuengling Traditional Lager. The beer is enjoyable, economical, and easy to find in Florida. Plus I like the feeling that my beer money is going to a small independent brewer as opposed to the coffers of a multinational corporate giant. On a recent beer shopping trip I spotted a Yuengling style which I was not familiar with. Yuengling Bock. It just so happens that Bock is one of my favorite styles. Of course I scooped up a couple of six packs.
I was curious why I had never seen this beer before so I did some research. Yuengling re-introduced this beer in 2009 to celebrate their 180th anniversary. At the time it had been 40 years since Yuengling had produced a Bock beer. In 2009 they released it only on draught and only in a limited geographical area. Like many bocks, this beer is produced for a limited time, typically in late winter and early spring. In 2010 they expanded their offering to include bottles and expanded the distribution of the beer. Which is why I’m now seeing this in Florida.
From a January 10, 2010 Yuengling Press Release:
With a deep amber color, pleasing malt base, and a refreshing hop aroma, Yuengling Bock Beer will be offered in 6-pack (12 oz) bottles, ¼ barrels, and ½ barrels starting January 18, 2010, and will last for approximately 10-12 weeks.
The bottle label and package design is based on actual Yuengling Bock Beer artwork from 1941. It can be found on display in the Yuengling Museum and Gift Shop in Pottsville, PA.
Not a big surprise, but I like this beer a lot. If you can find it, try it. I’m sure it will be disappearing soon.
If you can’t find it in Central Florida let me know and I’ll reveal some sources. Till then, I’m stocking up.