And the Valley Drinks: Abita's Mardi Gras Bock

It's getting closer to that time of the year. Beads and ladders and purple and gold and green and floats and marching bands and Flambeau torches and chicken chasing and all the things that we associate with that wonderful thing that we know as Mardi Gras.

If all the parties and parades and general merriment weren't enough, it puts us that much closer to crawfish season. Even better. Well, it would be, if not for all the damn cold weather.

Anyway, one of the many great things about Mardi Gras is it brings out Abita's first seasonal offering -- their Mardi Gras Bock. It may not have the cache of their springtime Strawberry Ale Lager, and it may not quite match their Pecan Ale (sooo underrated), but this German-style beer provides a fresh, flavorful alternative to the typical parade crowd fare.

From Abita's own (very detailed) profile:

Mardi Gras Bock (January - March) is the first of our seasonal brews. Abita Bock is brewed with pale, pilsner and caramel malts and German Perle hops. Our bock is similar to German maibocks with its rich malt flavor and full body. A perfect choice during Carnival season in New Orleans. Gruyére, Emmental and Swiss are nice cheese choices with Bock. Great with roasted beef or pork. Try it with Mexican food, too.

Review

This beer has a rich amber color, and a very malty, sweet bouquet. It hits the palate a with a lot more force than the color implies. Very sweet, almost cidery, but with just enough hoppiness on the back end to break things up a bit. That strong flavor might make it a little bit much for a session beer, but your mileage may vary. At 6.5 percent ABV, it won't hit you too hard in moderation. Solid 3.5 out of five stars.