Originally a springtime treat for the people of Germany’s Einbeck region (Mai is German for May), Maibocks welcomed more temperate weather with a paler (helles is German for pale) version of a traditional bock. These lagers are quite malty in both their nose and flavor, though not quite as rich as standard bocks; they’re also a bit hoppier. But Maibocks and helles bocks aren’t small brews by any means—ABVs run from 6.3 to 7.4 percent.
Pair: These lagers’ hint of malty sweetness can calm spicy Asian dishes or augment the bready notes in crispy fried chicken. Try them with light but sharply-flavored cheeses like white cheddar.