Urthel Parlus Magnificum (was: Vlaemse Bock)

Probably the best single-bock I’ve had. The appearance is one of deep ruby with an aggressive head that does its Arrogant Bastard receptacle -- a very modestly priced receptacle in which to transmit this beverage’s final mortal remains -- proud. This beer actually hits the spot in a way few beers do, without having to be all complex and sophisticated and stuff. I’d drink this shit till the cows come home. The only weak spot is the lack of aroma. Gotta pump up some subjective areas to compensate, ’cause aroma is only so important.. Good night, sweet prince.

NorCal tasting Jan 07 - What an outstanding beer. This has all the excellent qualities that I love about beer. The aroma was dark malts, dark cherries, fruity, raisiny and inviting. It just begs you to drink it. The appearance reminded me of a deep cherrywood color, with a nice off-white head. A lively mouthfeel, perfectly conditioned. The flavor had a perfect balance of grassy hops, cherries, raisins and dark malts. Excellent.

12 oz bottle (marked as a Vlaemse Bock) served in a clear pint glass. Poured a muddy, deep brown with 5 fingers of thick, slowly dissipating, wet head. Nose is malts, earth, barley, cellar, and light caramel. Taste is very similar, but there is a lingering must on the pallet. This is a very delicious brew. It seems the more Bocks that I have, the more I realize just how much I enjoy this beer style.

750ml bottle -pours a creamy to blotchy light tan head that laces and mahogany color. Aroma is dark/medium malt-creamy/smooth, dark caramel, molasses, dark fruit-cherry, faint woody-hops. Taste is dark/medium malt-creamy/smooth, dark caramel, molasses, dark fruit-cherry, faint woody-hops. Easy drinking, good effervescence. Better when cooler at 45 degrees than at 50 +.

The first two Urthel beers to make the long journey to Colorado were both of a lighter complexion. Characterized by fruity and even tropical flavors, the Samaranth and the Hibernum Quentum are easier fare, given to breezy drinking and carefree sampling. They’re brusque relative, the Urthel Bock, is a different breed. Clothed in fiery raiment, the traditional Urthel gnome adorning the Bock promises plenty of roasted and smoky flavors in this, the third Urthel to make its way from Belgium to your local liquor store. Does it equal its predecessors depth and complexity? Matching the Samaranth’s masterful drinking experience is indeed a Herculuean challenge. But if the Samaranth is an apogee of craft brewing the Bock is but a step beneath it. The subterranean concoction under the mottled, wood shaving tan head is an ornately flavored beverage well suited to the unfettered palate. The vapors that rise from the pomegranate red pool of beer are a feast all their own. It starts soft, entreating the nostrils with a delicate dab of strawberry, sweet cream and pomegranate juice before heartening on a mesquite note. All bets are off with the flavor. More assertive notes of tobacco and wood join the fray, with a delicate puff of peach to lighten the medley up with a soft sweetness only the Japanese really appreciate in their drinks. The palate is as soft as a goose down, and all at once I’m agog. This beer, by all standards and appearances, practically fumed with burnt, smoky flavors. When I regain my poise I coldly calculate that, no, this is not a smokehouse brew, but something transcendant of churlish tongues. The aftertase cracks with a small whip of licorice, and a cheesecake flavor glides into the beer as it warms, but nowhere are the brimstone aromas and flavors I had seen portended on the label to be found. The Urthel Bock is above such commonalities, prefering to reside high above rational categorization in a sequestered space all its own. This, unsurprisingly, is enough evidence to convince me that the Urthel Bock was created with the same caring hands and brilliant mind which fancied and fashioned the lovely Samaranth. It is also ample proof that De Koningshoeven is consistent in quality and toothsome flavors.

11.2 oz bottle. Vlaemse Label. Very active carbonation. Pours a murky brown color with a frothy, bone colored head. Somewhat bready, sweet malt aroma with some prunes and a hint (slightest hint) of some bubblegum phenols. A rich, c hocolatly dubbel with big caramel, toffee and fruit notes. Charcoal-like dry finish. There’s not much bock-like about this beer; it’s a strange name. I really enjoy the beer.

Wow. Last one i tasted out of my sampler case, but it will be the first one i rate. I was that impressed. Smooth, crisp and light. Very little to no carbonation(i hate carbonation) Rock solid BOCK!

From the cork and caged 750ml bottle, the beer presents a lightly hazed red to almost brown color, the head stacks up to about two fingers, a creamy ripe peach color, the lace forms a velum like sheet to obscure the glass. Nose has a malt sweetness, backed my molasses and a touch of grassy hops, quite crisp. Start is sweet with malt, fruity and a nice spiciness at the back, moderate if feel to the palate. Finish has a robust acidity, the hops beefy in their bite, aftertaste is dusty, long lasting, a beer brewed for us stateside folks, and quite good this beer, but all this breweries beers rank high on my master list.