Steph’s New Brew Review: Cultivator

Tröegs Brewing Company Cultivator, a 6.9% ABV Helles Bock

Tröegs says, “Emerging from springtime’s fertile ground, Cultivator celebrates the start of hop-growing season as sprawling fields of hop rhizomes climb and tether to hop bines. This spring bock delivers hints of toasted grains, fresh baked bread and delicate floral hops.”

This beer is the first of four offerings in their Hop Cycle seasonal series. Sunshine Pils will remain as a spring release while Hop Knife Harvest Ale will replace Dead Reckoning Porter as the new fall seasonal. Blizzard of Hops, a winter white IPA, will be the new winter seasonal in this series.

Cultivator, the pale gold helles bock, will be available from February to April. It’s brewed with floor malted Bohemian Pilsner malts, Hersbrucker and Magnum hops, and fermented with a lager yeast.

Tröegs recommends pairing Cultivator with cheeses including Asiago, Colby, Gruyère and Swiss. The malt sweetness and clean, dry finish also complements spicy Thai, Korean barbecue, shellfish and a variety of fried foods.

Appearance

Clear, golden with hundreds of bubbles and a long-lasting fluffy white head.

Aroma

Biscuity, floral, grassy, hints of lemon. Smells like spring.

Taste

Bready with hints of caramel, then floral and grassy hops, finishes fresh with hints of citrus.

Mouthfeel

Medium bodied, a bit sticky, very refreshing.

Overall

This beer is crisp, bright, and clean. Everything I want in a springtime beer. Another solid offering from Tröegs.

Wanna pick this one up? Use Tröegs’ Brew Finder to see if Cultivator is available near you.
Learn more about Tröegs Brewing Company… listen to Episode 15 with Nick Johnson!
Check out… this brewery tour video from Tröegs.