Trader Joe's Hofbrau Bock

This is a 7.0% ABV golden bock "Josephs Brau" beer from Trader Joe's, their German inspired store brand beer line. It is brewed and bottled in San Jose, California (contract brewed by Gordon Biersch I hear).

The beer pours a light copper and amber in color, very clear and well-carbonated. It has an inch of thick white to off-white foamy head.  The aroma is somewhat sweet, malty, sweet potato, herbs akin to root beer, with dark fruit and yellow cake.  The taste follows the aromas, adds in roasted malt, brown toast, and is both bitter and sweet in quick succession at the end.  It lingers quite bitter and dry on the palate.