Bocks should not have any ________.

Bocks are a traditional style of strong lager that originate from Germany, and they are characterized by their rich malt profile, smooth mouthfeel, and higher alcohol content. The focus on maltiness and the clean fermentation profile of bock beers means that undesirable flavors, specifically fusel alcohols, should not be present. Fusel alcohols are higher alcohols that can result from anaerobic fermentation conditions and often impart harsh, solvent-like flavors that are considered off-flavors in most beer styles, including bocks.

Fruitiness, color depth, and sourness can be more nuanced in certain beer styles, and while a bock may certainly have some fruit notes from aspects of the malt or yeast used, it should not be fruit-forward in the same way that fruit beers or certain IPAs are. Additionally, bocks can exhibit a rich color reflective of their malt, and while sourness is not typical, some styles, like sour bocks, do exist but are not considered classic examples of the style. Thus, the complete absence of fusel character is essential for the style to be considered authentic and true to its intended flavor profile.