Here are the most current, thought provoking and downright tasty words from Nate Kruback, beer buyer at Marty’s Newton, Ma. I’m proud to have him as a regular contributor here. Visit him, pick his brain, and go home with something memorable. This is Nate’s take on the newest seasonal from the fantastic Victory Brewing Company out of PA. Moonglow Weizen Bock: Here we go!
-Holy shit is this a stellar beer! Forgive me, sometimes deliciousness can drive me to vulgarity. This is one of those “what’s your favorite beer” beers that most tend to forget about. The hidden seasonals that locals and fanatics keep to themselves. Thankfully I’m a beer buyer at a major retail location, and let me tell you friends, I have a shit-ton of this beer!
Around mid-October every year, Victory Brewing out of Downingtown, PA releases their Weizen Bock. In the tradition of the celebrated style from Bavaria, this “strong wheat” nails the mark. Think Aventinus done domestically in 6 packs for $11.
Pouring copper-amber-ochre, Moonglow pillows up a head of three-fingered-distinction. There are the definitive, even expected notes of banana and clove any good Bavarian wheat should have, but there’s something more. Maybe a touch of smoke, maybe a hint of rye? It’s this suggestion of something more rugged, less refined than a traditional Weizen Bock, that sets Moonglow aside in a category of it’s own.
This rough-edged approach to the style may very well be a mistake. It could all be in my head for that matter. But this twist, albeit an accident in my opinion, is what sets this brew apart. It’s not just a regularly available German style in greater quantity, and slightly better price, it’s a modern rendition of a classic.
Drink this beer, whether you like the style or not, you might just love that uniqueness that I have come to expect and celebrate each year when the leaves turn.
Nate Kruback
-We look forward to more insights from Nate Kruback, one of Boston’s Best, and will post them here as they arrive. CWC
