Hop Talk

Dopplebock

Einbeck, Germany is the historic home to one of the most famous styles of beers in the world, Bock. In the middle ages, the town made strong beers, whose names were variations on the name of the town. There are several different types of Bock beers: the lightly colored Helles Bock or Maibock, the darker traditional Bock, the strong Dopplebock, and the sweet Eisbock. I’d like to focus on one of my favorites, the Dopplebock.

Traditionally, monks made a strong and full-bodied beer to consume during lent as a means of sustenance; this is where these strong beers, and Dopplebock in particular, got the nickname “liquid bread.” Dopplebock is very rich in melanoidins (think bread crust), which create the intense malty flavor. Toastiness is also a fairly common flavor, with some beers flashing flavors of chocolate, dark fruits, and toffee. Although you won’t find much hops flavor, a subtle hoppy bitterness is there for balance, making this big beer easy to drink. 

You’ll find a very good selection of Dopplebocks locally, on both sides of the state line. I went to a local liquor store and found six different German Dopplebocks, as well as some from Italy, Switzerland and the United States. I suggest starting with a German Dopplebock. In my opinion, the very best example is Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock. Besides being my absolute favorite Dopplebock, it is one of my favorite beers as well. There is so much flavor packed into this beer that I cherish every sip. Unfortunately, I have only found this beer in four packs, not in the 16.9oz single bottles that many Dopplebocks are packaged in, so it will cost you a little more to try it (although I don't think you will mind having to drink three more after you drink the first). Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock is now available on the Missouri side and is a close second behind Celebrator. The Weihenstephaner Korbinian, Ettaler Curator and Tucher Bajuvator are also nice. If you are looking for a domestic example on draft, I would direct you to Gordon Biersch to try Blonde Bock, from German-trained brewer James Hudec, or to Lawrence for the Free State Invigorator, when it’s on tap. Sam Adams Double Bock, Bells Consecrator and Capital Autumnal Fire are all locally available in the bottle. Tin Mill, out of Hermann, Missouri, also has a very nice Dopplebock if you find yourself in the eastern part of the state.