What the hell is a bock poke?

We have an event coming up this week on Thursday called a Bock Poke.  The simple question from the children and the uninitiated is “Umm, whats a bock and why do I want to poke it?” Let me explain. We will start with the bock itself. 

The bock is a german ale that is filled with dark rich carmel flavors and colors.  Toffee, raisins, caramel, slight hint of chocolate, nuts and toast.  Its an amazing spring time beer that has a history that goes back to the 1400’s. Its a darker beer, lightly hopped and usually a little higher in alcohol, about 6-7%. It is traditionally brewed in the spring, and my favorite piece of bock lore is that the German monks used to drink it during Lent to sustain them.  The Germans always did prefer to drink their bread.  Being brewed in the spring, it also is associated with capricorns, and the goat is pictured on many bock labels. 

OK, so it sounds like a delicious beer, why poke it? Since 1987, people have braved the cold and traveled to the second longest family owned brewery in the country in New Ulm, Minnesota.  Schell’s Brewing has become a household name for many in the region, and this event is unique to them.  The idea is that you take a red hot iron rod, or “poker” and dip it into your bock. The dark amber been then carmelizes and changes the taste of the beer, making it even more decadent.

We are excited to work with Schell’s for this event and hope to have you join us! $5 brats will fill your belly and we might just sing Ring of Fire around the firepit.  Its winter in the Midwest, lets enjoy it! 

Probst! See you Thursday at 6 pm!