“Named after the month of May, Maibocks are a strong malty German lager brewed for the transition from cooler to warmer weather. While having substantial strength and body, in line with the bock style, it is a light amber colour compared to the darker Winter bocks. Maibocks are also distinguished by their noticeable bitterness and hop character.”

Glassware: Half Stein.

Appearance: Slightly hazy orange to amber kind of affair with a short off white head. It gradually peels off and drags a wet lace down the glass.

Aroma: There’s a fair bit going on here. First thoughts are a proper malt bomb but it corrects itself with a distinctly spicy and fruity hop profile. Malty sweet, caramels/honey, toast and crusty bread meets the olfactory’s intially while hints of orange citrus/orange blossom, star fruit, paw paw, spice, florals and earth puts icing on the cake.

Flavour: Oh yeah, it’s doing the same routine as the aroma – constantly shifting and changing direction and taking the taste buds on a journey. Starts relatively malty with tangy caramel, honey on toast, that sorta thing…then the fruity aspect kicks in again with all that orange citrus, red grapes and kiwifruit? Then it all combines to create this unique flavour before it finishes sweet and fruity with good length.

Mouthfeel: Surprisingly light and effortless with a slightly lifted Co2. Mild-moderate body with a well concealed 7% ABV.

Overall: Slow Lane impress us once again. The fruity component is really intriguing….it has to be coming from the Hersbrucker hops as Hallertau generally doesn’t impart fruity characteristics. Either way it’s another fine offering from this mob.