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IJsselbock

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IJsselbock is a bottom-fermented bock with clean malt tones full of caramel. It was originally brewed top-fermented; since 2016 the recipe has been adjusted, trading the lush fruity aromas for caramel-rich malt. The name comes from the IJssel, the river that flows a stone's throw from the brewery in Rha, in the Achterhoek of Gelderland.

ABV
7.0%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter26 IBU
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
deep amber15
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
caramelmaltyclean
caramel
malty
clean
fruity
Aroma
The nose is dominated by sweet caramel and toasted Malz characteristics, reflecting the brewery's deliberate shift toward clean malt expression.
not found:hoppy,roasted,sour,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for IJsselbock

◎ Appearance

IJsselbock presents a warm amber hue with excellent clarity, typical of a well-executed bottom-fermented lager. The head is dense and persistent, with fine bubbles that cling to the glass in consistent lacing. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, supporting a creamy visual texture.

warm amberclear, brightdense head lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by sweet caramel and toasted Malz characteristics, reflecting the brewery's deliberate shift toward clean malt expression. Light fruity undertones persist beneath the dominant malt foundation, though these are restrained compared to the original top-fermented iteration. The overall effect is inviting and straightforward, without sharp hop presence or estery fermentation notes.

caramel sweetnesstoasted maltrestrained fruit

◐ Taste

Entry brings immediate caramel and malt-forward sweetness, building into a rich mid-palate with smooth, clean Malz character. Bitterness is gentle at 26 IBU, serving as a balancing counterpoint rather than a dominant force. The 7% ABV provides subtle warmth and body without apparent heat, allowing the malt profile to remain centered throughout.

caramel-rich palatesmooth malt texturegentle bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is medium-length with lingering caramel and malt sweetness that gradually fades to a clean, slightly dry conclusion. No sharp edges or harsh tannins interrupt the satisfying tail.

caramel fadeclean exit
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
77
Taste
79
Appearance
80
Finish
76
Serve at 9–12°C

Serve at 9–12°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with IJsselbock

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About Bock

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Bock?

Bocks are strong German lagers with 6.5–7.5% ABV. Rich malt sweetness — toast, chocolate, caramel — with low bitterness and a warming finish.

Finding a similar Bock

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same caramel, malty, rich character as IJsselbock will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Bock beers in hopIQ →Browse Netherlands beers →