Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

From Ayinger: A beer that has a dominant malty taste. This beer’s origins in a monk’s recipe are reflected in its heartiness. The Pope of Beers, Conrad Seidl, describes it as: “Almost black with a very slight red tone, a sensational, festive foam and truly extraordinary fragrance that at first summons up visions of greaves lard. The first taste is of mild fullness with an accompanying coffee tone, which becomes more dominant with the aftertaste. There is very little of the sweetness that is frequently to be tasted with doppelbock beer.” The Ayinger Celebrator has been ranked among the best beers of the world by the Chicago Testing Institute several times and has won numerous platinum medallions..

Ayinger – Celebrator Doppelbock – Poured from a 330ml bottle into a pint glass. 6.7% abv.

Appearance: Like a Cabernet Sauvignon with a chocolate bar melted in it. A modest khaki head with little to no lacing.

Aroma: Roasted malt, pumpernickel and millet (bird seed).

Taste: Dark, roasted malt flavors with a bit of tart fruit.

Mouthfeel: Not as thick as most domestic Doppelbocks I’ve had. A tad fizzy and finishes clean.

Overall: A bit too tart for my tastes. Many Doppelbocks I’ve had taste like a cross between a Stout and a Scotch Ale. This tastes like a cross between a Porter and a Scotch Ale (heavy on the Porter).