Doppelbock
Originally created by the Paulaner Monks of St. Francis of Paola in Bavaria for sustenance during Lent and other religious holiday fasts, they considered this liquid bread. “Doppel” (“double” in German) and Doppelbocks—or Double Bocks—are stronger versions of dark traditional Bock and pale Maibock/Helles Bock styles. Most Doppelbocks are dark and thus a clear deep burgundy to dark brown color. They have a strong malty character and can be quite complex, exhibiting rich aromas and flavors of toasty caramel, toffee and hints of chocolate and dark fruits, such as raisin and plum. Low hop levels enhance sweetness. Helles Doppelbocks—more deep golden in color and less common—are equally rich in toasty malt and are very smooth. Some golden examples may exhibit more hop character, yet the malt remains front and center. High ABV offerings can exhibit an alcohol aroma and flavor. The Paulaner Monks named the beer “Salvator” (Savior), a name under which the modern Paulaner Brauerei in Munich sells its Doppelbock today. Many Doppelbock beers since created by other breweries have “ator” at the end of the name, perhaps as a nod to the history and popularity of this style.| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Malty, Rich, Toasty, Dark Fruit, Full-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 6.7 – 11+% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 16-27 |
| Popular Examples | Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock, Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock, Spaten Optimator, Troegs Troegenator Double Bock, Weihenstephaner Korbinian, Samuel Adams Double Bock, Samichlaus Bier (and Samichlaus Bier Helles), Eggenberg Urbock 23°, Tommyknocker Butt Head Bock Lager, Indian Wells Lobotomy Bock |
| Serving Temperature | Cellar, 55-57° |
| Glassware | Pilsner Glass, Stange, Beer Snifter (for higher ABV) |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Asiago, Camembert, Gouda, Limburger |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Rich, roasted foods such as game, pork and cured meats |
