Sierra Nevada – Beer Camp # 37 – Weizenbock

Sierra Nevada hosts an annual competition called beer camp that started in 2008.  If you want to attend you actually have until July 7 to submit an entry.  In a nutshell, if you are chosen, you have the opportunity to go to Sierra Nevada and brew a beer with the brewers at beer camp.  Their have been a number of beers created at beer camp and this year, Sierra Nevada released a Best of Beer Camp 12-pack that contains 4 different styles - #8 California Common (6.5% ABV), #16 Juniper Black Ale (8.0% ABV), #29 Double IPA (8.5% ABV), and #37 Weizenbock (6.8% ABV).  Last evening, I decided to sample Weizenbock that poured a cloudy tan with a large head.  Beer Advocate describes Wiezenbocks as, “A more powerful Dunkel Weizen (of "bock strength"), with a pronounced estery alcohol character, perhaps some spiciness from this, and bolder and more complex malt characters of dark fruits.”  #37 has a nice spicy aroma and I could pick up notes from the Kellerweiss yeast Sierra Nevada used for this Weizenbock.  This is a very tasty beer with hints of banana, bubblegum and spice, with a nice finish.  I paired this with grilled tuna, whole-wheat pasta tossed in red pepper flakes, garlic, and EVOO, and a salad.  I also enjoyed a glass after dinner.  I look forward to sampling the other styles from Beer Camp.