Bock or strong beer is a seasonal specialty that, according to the current beer culture report, almost 20 percent of Austrians enjoy.
Linz (OTS) – St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th, gives its name to the Josefi Bock, which is traditionally brewed in the Zipf brewery in the period before Easter. Beer pope Conrad Seidl explains in the current beer culture report: “Originally, the strong beers were not brewed just for their good taste or intoxicating effect, but as ‘liquid bread’ for the fasting periods before Christmas and Easter, when people consciously ate less (but more drank).”
Gabriela Maria Straka, Director Corporate Affairs & ESG Sustainability at Brau Union Austria, adds: “The saying ‘liquid doesn’t break your fast’ is well known and has exactly this origin. Bock beer is only brewed seasonally, during the fasting times of the church year before Easter and Christmas. Bock beer was very popular in the monasteries because the strong beer, which matured for a very long time, was brewed – even with special permission from the Pope – to supplement the strict diet during Lent.
Seasonal beer specialty: Josefi Bock tastes good
No matter whether as a traditional fasting drink or as an unusual accompaniment to festive Easter dishes: Bock or strong beer is a seasonal specialty that, according to the current beer culture report, almost 20 percent of Austrians enjoy. In the representative study on the beer culture report, 24 percent of men said they like to drink bock beer. Among the seasonal beer specialties, the Osterbock is in second place after the Christmas Bock in terms of popularity and awareness – other beers such as. B. Oktoberbier and the like cannot compete here. In general, the importance of seasonal beer specialties for beverage culture is also rated highly: 46 percent of the Austrian population aged 18 and over rate seasonal beers as very important or somewhat important.
Christian Mayer, master brewer at the Zipf brewery, explains: “We only brew our Osterbock for spring – and always with the natural hop varieties Magnum, Perle, Saazer, Tettnanger and Spalt Select. Its intense golden yellow is accompanied by a harmonious aroma and finely rounded hop notes, which is followed by a strong taste. The Josefi Bock is best served at 7-9° in a Zipfer Trend-Krügerl. It goes perfectly with the delights surrounding Easter: strong, aromatic dishes, strong soups, fried meat, smoked and spicy cheese.”
This is how bock beer got its name
The name “Bockbier” goes back to the city of Einbeck in Lower Saxony. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, beer production increasingly shifted from monasteries to small family businesses. In Einbeck in Lower Saxony, strong, alcohol-containing beer with a long shelf life or shelf life was produced for the first time, which required a high original wort content. Bock beer could even be exported as a luxury item to Italy. The city thus became the namesake for the beer. Over the years and centuries, the “Einbecker” or “Ainpöckisches Bier” became “Bock Bier” or simply “Bock”.
About Brau Union Austria
Brau Union Austria sells over 5.0 million HL of beer in a year – with fifteen leading beer brands, over 100 types of beer and ongoing innovations. The company stands for international premium brands such as Heineken and Desperados, the cider brands Strongbow and Stibitzer, top brands that are widespread throughout Austria such as Gösser, Schwechater, the wheat beer brand Edelweiss and the alcohol-free Schlossgold, as well as brands with strong regional significance such as Zipfer, Puntigamer, Wieselburger, Kaiser, Schladminger, Reininghaus, Villacher and Fohrenburger. 2,700 employees across Austria ensure that around 49,000 customers and millions of beer lovers across the country are supplied with beer. It goes without saying that Brau Union Austria relies on the best raw materials, highest quality and sustainable production – both in the environmental and social areas. For this, Brau Union Austria was awarded the “GREEN BRAND” rating. Brau Union Austria has been part of the international HEINEKEN family since 2003. www.brauunion.at
Questions & Contact:
Mag. Dr. Gabriela Maria Straka, EMBA
Member of the Management Board
Director Corporate Affairs & ESG Sustainability
Press spokesperson
Certified beer sommelier
Tel.: 0664 838 1864
E-Mail: g.straka@brauunion.com
www.brauunion.at
MMag. Monika Steinkogler, BA.
Corporate Affairs
Beer sommelier
Tel.: 0664 838 1766
E-Mail: m.steinkogler@brauunion.com
www.brauunion.at