Schell's Bock

This is the first time, as far as I can recall, I’ve come across Schell’s Bock. Considering the record that Schell’s has in my book, of consistently providing me with beers that please, I might have just assumed this would be great. But I had the chance tonight to be objective about it, trying Schell’s Bock side-by-side against the ever popular Shiner Bock. Both are delicious. But I have to give the nod to Schell’s. Both have flavors of roasted grain sweetened by fermentation that gives hints of dark fruit. But Schell’s has a much deeper, fuller character reminiscent of the prune notes I so enjoyed in their Chimney Sweep.