05/28/2026
Gene’s Picks of The Week!
Hofbräu - Maibock
Maibock, 7.2%
Leaning on Munich malt for nuttiness and that ineffable white-grape aromatic element that works so well with the cooked-cereal impression imparted by decoction, the Maibock from Hofbräu helps to define the style. Literally “May Bock”, these pale strong lagers herald the arrival of late spring. Hofbräu is one of the “big six” breweries within Munich city limits that is permitted to have its own Festzelt (festival tent) at the autumn jamboree of Oktoberfest, while the brewery’s tasting room smack in the downtown of the city is one of the most popular tourist destinations all year round. Prost!
Loba - Paraíso
Gose, 4.5%
¿Una gose de Guadalajara? ¡Por su puesto! The holiday of Cinco de Mayo may have already come and gone this month, but Paraíso is suitable all throughout the year in our climate! Cerveza Loba hails from the Jaliscan capital and has successfully melded the Gose - a beer style native to eastern Germany - with guava. The redolent fruit proves to be an ideal match for the tart and lightly salty wheat-based beer. Inordinately refreshing and low in ABV, this is a brunch beer if ever there was one. ¡Salud!
Chimay - Grand Reserve*
Belgian Strong Dark Ale, 9.0%
To belabor the theme this week, our final entry is from the Trappist monks at Chimay (note second syllable) in Scourmont down in southern Wallonia, all but walking-distance from the French border. The Grand Réserve - popularly known as “Chimay Blue” - is a pitch-perfect Abbey Ale on the darker hue of the spectrum. Utilizing caramelized candi sugar for color, aroma and flavor - think figs, dates and sugarplums - in conjunction with the expressive Chimay yeast strain, this is a timeless beer. À votre santé!
*Little Italy has Chimay White.
Cheers!
