I’ve been reading a bit about different lager styles recently, I am a huge fan of dark lagers and wanted a better understanding of some of the different substyles, since the terminology can be a little confusing. Most German lager styles have origins in specific regions of the country. For example, the “bock” lager styles are all originally from Einbeck. The standard bock, also called a Dunkel bock since Dunkel is the German word for dark, is a rich a malt forward lager with 6-7% ABV. It’s big brother the dopplebock which is also malt forward but typically in the 7-9% ABV range. Another bock substyle is the Maibock or helles bock, a pale version with a more distinct hop profile. Relatively few American breweries tackle these beers (I was told by a prominent local lager brewer that they don’t sell very well), but I am hoping that will change with the renewed interest in lager styles from many craft beer drinkers. I am a huge fan of all bock substyles, and always on a lookout for well crafted local examples. One I tracked down recently is Educator, a dunkel bock from Exhibit A. Exhibit A Educator was brewed as a one-off to benefit Hoops and Homework, a Framingham after school program, it is available for a limited time on draft and in 16 oz. cans.
Exhibit A Educator pours deep brown with a solid off-white head. The aroma features some rich roasted malts. These malts lead the the flavor as well, notes of brown sugar, molasses and toffee. A hint of earthy hops adds a little balance, but the malts are clearly the star here. Educator is medium bodied and very smooth, with a middle of the road 6% ABV. The finish is very clean with just a little residual malt flavor. This is an excellent dark lager, rich and flavorful but also very easy-drinking, I hope that it resurfaces again. Hoppy Boston score: 4.5/5.
Previous Exhibit A Reviews:
Exhibit A Sunday Paper, Exhibit A Belle, Exhibit A Pink Boots Were Made For Brewing, Exhibit A We’re Going To Need You To Come In On Saturday Scotch Ale, Exhibit A Demo Tape Eleven Side B, Exhibit A Danko, Exhibit A The Cat’s Meow and Demo Tape 5
Hoppy Boston 
