Smuttynose Maibock

I've been very interested in bocks ever since I first heard of these heavy and malty treats back over the summer. I've made my way through the dobbles and a few singles but this is my first maibock. I did some research so I know that these were typically brewed in the Spring (hence Mai or May, they are also called Hellerbock where heller is German for Spring) and they are typically the most heavily hopped of traditional lagers.

I picked up this bomber from Bierkraft for about $7. Label indicated it was brewed this year, at only around 6.5% abv, I wouldn't really age this beer.

The Pour - A very light, caramel color beer with a nice 2 fingers of head. Not nearly as syrupy as many dobblebocks I've had, while still resembling more of a pale ale than a pilsner. The head leaves fairly quickly but leaves some extensive lacing.
7/10

Nose - Hoppier than a traditional bock but I still wouldn't call this a 'hoppy' beer, not compared to how things get hopped now-a-days. Strong sweet malts as well along with the typical light, fizzy lager freshness. I'm missing a lot of the interesting mini-scents that an ale would be giving off but this is interesting - the fizzy carbonation does keep this smelling nicely for quite a while. Very pleasant.
7/10

Mouthfeel - A bit of an odd combination, the malt is potent but not as deep or thick as other bocks I've tasted. Typically I like how with a dobblebock the viscosity of the beer and the alcohol content team up to really make it a 'big' experience. I'm just not getting that here. This is a tinier beer with a nice amount of hops that makes it more chuggable though. Very similar to a pale ale in body and flavor, just not as complex. Also not nearly as filling as typical bocks, I could drink a couple of these before filling up.
7/10

Taste - Tinier than I'd like as I've said. I feel like the lager yeast cuts this beer off at the knees and prevents it from becoming a richer experience. That being said, not all beer is made to be savored and Smuttynose has done a great job at matching the sweetness, bitterness and lightness to make this a very drinkable beer. Its a session beer that is well balanced and seems like it would hold up well over the course of a evening. That said, I'm somewhat not engaged by it. Hrmph.
6/10

Overall the Maibock gets a 27/40 outta me. Not a terrible review considering where my preferences lie and that this is my first time trying a maibock. I'd love to see a dobblemaibock as this beer could be bigger and remember bigger = better.