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Steinbach Bräu Fastenbock

Steinbach Bräu
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🌍 Germany · Heller Bock · One of 4 Heller Bocks in hopIQ

A pale bottom-fermented bock released at the start of Lent — following the historical motto 'Liquids don't break the fast' that Paulaner monks developed in the 17th century to stay beer-adjacent during Lenten fasting. Cascade hops give a fruity counter-note against 16.5°P gravity. A 7% beer the brewery explicitly positions as 'liquid bread'.

ABV
7%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber10
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Full body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Gently sweet notes.
drysweet
Bitterness
Moderate bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Somewhat creamy mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

The weight carries the beer on its own, leaving the aromatics free to lead.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Heller Bock.
Hop character
citrusy
floral
Malt character
malty
caramel
Fermentation & yeast
fruity

FEATURED IN

#6 of 50The Best German Strong Beers

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Steinbach Bräu Fastenbock

Appearance

A bright pale gold with excellent clarity and fine, persistent white head that clings to the glass with good lacing. The carbonation is moderate and steady, characteristic of a traditional lager. Light catches the body with a clean, translucent shine.

pale goldbright, clearfirm white headwell-carbonated

Aroma

The nose opens with soft malt sweetness and bread-like warmth, underscored by subtle caramel notes. Cascade hops introduce gentle fruity and citrus undertones—stone fruit and orange zest—that freshen the otherwise grainy backdrop without dominating. A touch of noble hop spice rounds out the profile, with no sharp phenolics or sulfur.

bready maltstone fruit, citruscaramel sweetnessnoble hop spice

Taste

Entry is full-bodied and malty, with a pronounced sweetness that reflects the high gravity (16.5°P). Mid-palate develops caramel and subtle toasted grain character, balanced by moderate bitterness from the Cascade hops that arrives as a fruity, slightly floral counterpoint rather than sharp resin. The 7% alcohol integrates smoothly, warming without harshness, and lends a gentle boozy note to the finish.

full, malty bodysweet, caramel mid-palatefruity hop balancewarming alcohol

Finish

The finish is moderately long, trailing caramel and bread-like malt with a drying hop bitterness that persists gently on the palate. Aftertaste leans toward dry grain and light spice.

medium-long finishdry grain, hop spice
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
84
Appearance
85
Finish
80
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Steinbach Bräu Fastenbock

Serve at 9–12°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

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

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

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

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Steinbach Bräu Fastenbock

About Heller Bock

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Heller 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 Heller Bock

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same full-bodied, malty, sweet character as Steinbach Bräu Fastenbock will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Heller Bocks in hopIQ

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