Samson 1795 Bock 500ML

Samson 1795 Bock 500ML is a full-malt Czech bock beer brewed at 6.1% ABV in a 500ml bottle by one of the oldest breweries in České Budějovice. Named World's Best Style winner at the 2019 World Beer Awards, this bock draws on a recipe inspired by late-19th-century Bohemian brewing traditions and a water source few breweries can match.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.1%  |  Origin: České Budějovice, Czech Republic  |  Style: Bock  |  Brewery: První Budějovický Pivovar Samson

Production & Heritage

První Budějovický Pivovar Samson traces its roots to 1795 in České Budějovice (historically known as Budweis), one of the great brewing cities of Central Europe. The brewery, now under AB InBev ownership since 2014, produces this bock using Czech barley, prized Žatec (Saaz) hops, and pure artesian water drawn from a well reaching 274 meters underground — a depth that imparts a notably soft mineral character to the finished beer. The recipe is modeled after bock styles brewed in the region at the close of the 19th century, relying on a full-malt grain bill without adjuncts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh bread crust and a thread of caramel malt, followed by light grassy notes from the Saaz hops. A subtle fruitiness rounds out the bouquet without veering sweet.

Taste: On the palate, caramel malt arrives first with a lush, honeyed sweetness that transitions into ripe fruit tones at the midpoint. Modest hop bitterness keeps the malt in check, while the deep-well artesian water lends a pillowy softness to the body that distinguishes it from heavier German bock interpretations.

Finish: The finish is well-balanced and medium in length, with residual caramel sweetness gently fading into a clean, lightly bitter close. A faint breadiness lingers alongside the aromatic oils of the Žatec hops.

How to Drink Samson 1795 Bock

Pour into a tulip glass or traditional Czech half-liter mug at 6–8°C (43–46°F) to let the malt complexity open up without muting the hop character. While bocks are best appreciated on their own, this expression also holds its own in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Bock Shandy — combining the beer with fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey — plays off the caramel malt beautifully. A Black Velvet variation, layering it with dry sparkling wine, highlights the fruity mid-palate. For a warming cold-weather serve, a Beer Toddy gently heated with cinnamon and clove complements the bread and caramel aromatics.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to the Czech bock tradition beyond mainstream lagers
• Pairing with a holiday roast or autumn charcuterie spread
• Adding variety to a curated European beer tasting lineup
• Celebrating with an award-winning brew that tells a story of Bohemian heritage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Samson 1795 Bock taste like? It delivers a prominent caramel malt sweetness balanced by modest Saaz hop bitterness, with fruity undertones and a soft, full body attributed to the brewery's deep artesian water source.

How does Samson 1795 Bock compare to Pilsner Urquell? Pilsner Urquell is a pilsner-style lager with pronounced hop bitterness and crisp dryness, while Samson 1795 Bock is a fuller-bodied, malt-forward beer at a higher ABV (6.1% vs. 4.4%). The bock delivers rounder malt character and gentler bitterness, feeling calmer but equally serious in its approach.

Is Samson 1795 Bock good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its full-malt construction and layered caramel-to-fruit flavor profile make it a rewarding standalone pour, especially at a moderate 6.1% ABV that allows extended enjoyment.

Where is Samson 1795 Bock made? It is brewed at První Budějovický Pivovar Samson in České Budějovice, a city in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, with a brewing heritage dating to 1795. The brewery draws its water from an artesian well 274 meters below the surface.

What foods pair well with Samson 1795 Bock? Roast pork or duck benefits from the beer's malt sweetness cutting through rich fat. Aged Gouda or Emmental echoes the caramel tones. Hearty bread dumplings — a classic Czech side — mirror the bready aroma. Grilled sausages, particularly Czech klobása, complement the hop bitterness. Apple strudel or caramelized pastries harmonize with the beer's sweet malt backbone.

What sizes does Samson 1795 Bock come in? The standard format is a 500ml bottle, which is the traditional Czech serving size for full-bodied specialty beers.

Is Samson 1795 Bock worth the price? It positions as a premium import bock at a modest price point, punching well above its weight given the World Beer Awards recognition in 2019 (World's Best Style) and 2024 (Country Winner), making it strong value within the European bock category.

Why Samson 1795 Bock?

Two World Beer Awards — including the 2019 World's Best Style title — put this bock in rare company for a Czech brewery better known historically for pale lagers. The artesian water sourced from 274 meters underground gives the beer a soft, rounded mouthfeel that most bocks brewed with municipal or surface water simply cannot replicate. Add a full-malt grain bill, Žatec hops from one of the world's most renowned hop-growing regions, and a recipe rooted in 19th-century Bohemian tradition, and the result is a bock that earns attention on substance rather than novelty. For drinkers exploring Czech beer beyond pilsners, this is a serious and accessible entry point.