If you’re ever debating if you should make the voyage up north to visit our friends at Back Pew Brewing, the answer should always be yes and while you’re there, grab a pint of Satyr’s Swill Bock. My first time at Back Pew was at their Oktoberfest last year and I was fortunate enough to sit down with Bobby and talk beer with him.
If you get the chance, track him down and ask him ANYTHING beer related and watch in amazement at the answer he gives you. It’s not surprising that all of Back Pew’s brews are above average.
The Artwork on Satyr’s Swill is similar to what they have released in the past. They do offer a unique concept to help you, the consumer, easily pick which beer to get. They have what they call a Saints and Sinners line up. The Saint beers are more approachable and identified with a mostly all white can with a black lip, while the Sinners beers are a little bit stronger and more challenging. The Sinners cans feature a mostly black can with a white lip.
Satyr’s Swill pours a nice amber body with a 2 finger tan head and lacing down the glass.
Bobby did a hell of a job with Satyr’s Swill. If you were to look up traditional bocks on google you find a picture of Satyr’s Swill. Strong, and sneaky strong at that, but very clean and crisp. It has the perfect blend of malt and sweetness and you would be hard pressed to find a smoother bock.
Satyr’s Swill Bock would be an excellent comparison to… SHINER! Haha! Not really, and here is the reason, it’s almost double the ABV of Shiner. Under the Radar Brewing has a bock called Midtown Bock and that would be a better comparison. However, should you find yourself next to a guy in the beer aisle picking up a 6 pack of shiner, you wouldn’t be wrong to suggest going to Back Pew Brewing Satyr’s Swill.
I gave Satyr’s Swill Bock a 3.5 star rating and at first glance that might seem a little low, so let me explain. Satyr’s Swill is a great bock, however, the style itself isn’t one that lends itself to greatness. I couldn’t rate a pilsner or blonde with a 4 or 5 star rating. I really like Satyr’s Swill and think they did a great job with it but it’s too simple, in my humble opinion, to give it a great rating.
Nowadays it isn’t a huge challenge to find Back Pew brews in cans and on tap around town. I found mine at the Spring Specs location and if you want a closer location to you, here is a solid list.
Some may say I was too hard on Back Pew, and some will say I was to easy with my grade and that’s ok. I honestly think that Satyr’s Swill rivals Shiner Bock and deserves to be put up there with best bock in Texas. Whatever you do, don’t take my word for it. Go grab a pint and let us know what you think> Beers to you, Houston! 🍻
Chris loves Beer, Whiskey, Cigars, Music, Sports and Houston! He's worked in the oil industry since 2011. He's an Army veteran and most importantly a husband and father. His favorite beers are hop-forward and unique.
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