The Maisel & Friends Chocolate Bock is a strong, bottom-fermented beer from the Gebr. Maisel brewery in Bayreuth, brewed as the signature beer by brewmaster Marc and designed by the artist Ardif, whose label features two mighty stags locked in a fiery battle. With 7.5% ABV, an original gravity of 17.4 °P, and around 25 IBU, it is made from Fichtelgebirge water, a fine selection of barley, caramel, and roasted malts, Hallertau hops, and bottom-fermenting yeast from their own pure culture, with all chocolate and coffee aromas exclusively derived from these traditional ingredients. In the glass, it appears dark brown to almost black with a lush, beige foam crown, and the aroma combines roasted malt with dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of dark forest berries. On the palate, the beer is full-bodied and robust, with caramel sweetness, notes of bittersweet chocolate, pumpernickel, and coffee, as well as a balanced, slightly bitter finish in which the alcohol warmth is gently integrated. The brewery recommends a drinking temperature of 10 to 12 °C, at which the aromas unfold particularly well, and pairs it with game dishes, a tomahawk steak, or chocolate desserts such as brownies and tiramisu. The beer has been awarded at the World Beer Awards, is vegan, and contains gluten-containing grains.
