98 Celebrator Doppelbock, Privatbrauerei Aying (Germany). 6.7% ABV (10/07)
Deep mahogany brown with a ruby cast. Vibrant aromas of baker’s chocolate, fruit nut caramel fudge, light molasses and cigar box spice jump from the glass and follow through to a rich, velvety full body with a lingering nutty, spice and earth fade. Wonderfully rich and contemplative. Truly world-class.
98 Blonde Doppelbock, Capital Brewery (WI). 7.8% ABV (2/07)
Deep reddish amber color. Dense aromas of fruity caramel, spicy honey and golden raisin bread. A rich, powerful, yet effortless entry leads to a satiny medium-full body of enveloping layers of caramel, toasted grains and breads, marmalade and delicate spices. Finishes with an extremely long and raw honey, dried apricot and mild, earthy hop flourish. Remarkably flavorful and insanely drinkable.
94 Samuel Adams Double Bock, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 8.7% ABV (10/08)
Brilliant, deep copper red color with a foamy head. Raisin purée, chocolate croissant and orange soufflé aromas follow through on a rich, chewy entry to a broad, dry-yet-fruity full body with brown sugar, baked apple and toffee notes. Finishes with a long, butter molasses and warming pepper fade with hints of sautéed parsnip and fennel.
94 Merry Monks Doppelbock, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 8.7% ABV (2/07)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Sweet baked raisin nut compote, molasses and malt vinegar aromas. A big, round entry leads to a very tangy medium-full body of roasted grains and nuts, dark raisins and pumpernickel toast flavors. Finishes with a long baker’s chocolate, marmalade and nut fade. Delicious, rich and thirst quenching.
93 Salvator Doppelbock, Paulaner Brauerei (Germany). 7.9% ABV (10/08)
Dark amber color. Aromas of honey and caramel-drizzled nut, spicy carrot cake and putty follow through on a rich, frothy entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with lush raisin, date and melted toffee notes. Finishes with a rich, lingering and zesty caramelized
citrus, pumpernickel nut toast and earthy fade. A rich, powerful brew to savor.
93 La Rossa, Birra Moretti (Italy). 7.2% ABV (10/08)
Deep amber color. Interesting aromas of eucalyptus honey, buckwheat pancake and brown sugar follow through on a rich, frothy entry to an off-dry, medium-to-full body with layers of chocolate-covered raisins and nuts, and a crisp, honeyed rye toast and peppery spice fade. A nicely styled food beer to pair with hearty dishes.
93 Autumnal Fire, Capital Brewery (WI). 7.8% ABV (11/09)
Deep amber copper color. Aromas of melted toffee and apple butter on rye toast follow through on a supple, vibrant entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with layers on toasted bread, grain, caramel and dried fruit. Finishes with a long, earthy grassy hop and candied dried citrus peel fade. Excellent.
92 Samuel Adams Double Bock, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 9.5% ABV (11/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of brown sugar, dried fruits and caramelized roasted nuts follow through on a supple, velvety entry to a chewy, dry-yet-fruity full body with buttered toasted bran muffin and chocolate fondue notes. Finishes with a deep roasted nut, peppery spice and roasted root vegetable-accented fade. A powerful, brooding doppelbock with excellent balance of sweet and savory elements.
88 Conquistador Doppelbock, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. (CA). 7.8% ABV (11/07)
Dark reddish copper color. Orange honey, malt-o-meal, brown sugar and nut aromas. A chewy, mousse-like entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity full body of caramel apples, salted nuts, barley soup, cocoa and delicate spice flavors. Finishes with a long, tangy brown sugar, buttered nut and mineral fade.
88 Baron’s Strong Brew, Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore). 8.8% ABV (11/09)
Golden amber color. Fruity aromas of banana pudding and papaya cake follow through on a round, supple entry to a fruity-yet-dry, medium-full body with buttercream frosting, shredded wheat and delicate baking spice notes. Finishes with a tangy, lightly peppery, toasty, grassy and earthy hop-accented fade with balancing astringency. A fun, tropical fruity take on a blond doppelbock.
88 21 Doppelbock, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 8% ABV (10/08)
Reddish mahogany color. Roasted grain, lemon rind and pumpernickel aromas follow through on a round, chewy entry to a tangy, dryish medium-full body with fresh meringue, pepper, grapefruit and toffee notes. Finishes with rich, chocolate-covered citrus and green peppercorn fade.
87 Hound Dog Bock, Govnor’s Public House (IL). 7.95% ABV (10/07) %{Brewpub}
Dark chestnut color with a frothy tan head. Treacle, mud, star anise and caramel pudding aromas. A supple, frothy entry leads to a tangy medium-full body of red apple skins, raisins, dark roasted nuts and a touch of earthy bark. Finishes with a long charred nut and tangy dried fruit fade. A curious, yet food-friendly bock interpretation–serve with funky cheeses.
84 Red Cock Doppel Bock, Maui Brewing Co. (HI). 8% ABV (10/08)
Mocha candy, teriyaki sauce and grapefruit custard aromas follow through on a creamy entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with caramelized hazelnut and leather accents. Finishes with a somewhat thin soy, marmalade and pepper fade. Curious.
80 Primator Double Bock, Pivovar Nachod (Czech Republic). 10.5% ABV (11/09)
Root beer color and sweetness with a lots of chocolate cherry bonbon flavor and notes of grainy buttered raisin toast, malt vinegar and moss hops on the finish. Potentially very good, but far too sweet, cloying and soda-like.
Leave a Reply