Stiftsbrauerei Schlägl
Schlägl, Austria
Imported by: Morandell Imports
Los Angeles, CA
Available: n/a
This doppelbock is brewed only at once a year, in the summer, and bottled in the winter.
ABV: 8.3
ABW: 6.6
Color: 15
Bitterness: 34
Original gravity: 1076
Beware the deceptive straw color: this is a big beer that packs a punch of floral “noble hop” resins, toasted grain and a touch of cobnuts. Rich grain bursts on the tongue, balanced by nuts and bitter hops. The long finish is bittersweet with rich toasted grain, cobnuts and spicy hop resins. The final meld of flavors lingers entrancingly on the tongue—a fine Austrian interpretation of a German bock.
As the deep burnished gold beer pours into the glass, I’m moved to inspect the label—didn’t this say “doppelbock”? Ah yes, but from Austria, not Bavaria. The nose shows plenty of malt, some creamed corn, baking pretzels, a hint of damp leaves. The palate is pure sweet malt, almost candy-like, with hops barely keeping it all in check. The center is full-bodied and linear, finishing with a faint metallic tang. “Blond” doppelbocks are rare, but not unheard of, and this is an interesting example. Find some good prosciutto or country ham, a hunk of great bread, and a quiet corner.
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
