Beer Style: Bock
Springfield Brewing Co: Aviator Doppelbock clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThe winter seasonal was brewed by BYO’s own technical editor, Ashton Lewis. Springfield Brewing Company says that Aviator “drinks like dessert in a glass and is delicious when paired with dried fruits, roasted nuts, and creamy cheese.”
Närke Kulturbryggeri: Tanngnjostr & Tanngrisnir clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyBerith Karlsson, from Närke Kulturbryggeri, said of this smoked doppelbock spiced with juniper twigs, “being a double bock lager, (it) is named after the two goats pulling the wagon of Thor, the god of thunder.”
Iron Hill Brewery: Bridge Street Bock clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis beer won a bronze medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup. Brewer Tim Stumpf notes that he likes to add a sprinkle of calcium chloride to promote round, smooth maltiness in this beer.
Abita Brewing Company: Andygator Doppelbock clone
FREEThis original high-gravity brew is made with Pilsner hops, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops and features a slightly sweet flavor and dry aroma.
Schloss Eggenberg: Samichlaus clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyFor a long time, Samiclaus held the title as strongest beer in the world. Samichlaus is a doppelbock that continues to develop the longer it is aged.
Klosterbrauere Ettaler Curator clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis doppelbock is much darker tasting than others, with massive aromas and flavors of fruitcake, port, figs and raisins. Although extremely rich and thick, this beer is readily drinkable which poses a dilemma after a liter or so. There seem to be a lot of German bierkellars that have tilted, uneven floors!
Brauerei Aying Ayinger Celebrator clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis massively malty Bavarian dopplebock is darker than Salvator and shows a distinct chocolate malt character.
Schneider Weisse: Aventinus clone
FREEThis beer is basically a wheat doppelbock, made to compete with the true doppelbocks. It features notes of raisins, plums, bananas, cloves, and a touch of chocolate. A decoction mash and extended boil are really needed to bring out the dark malt and caramel flavors.
Rogue Ales: Dead Guy clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAccording to Rogue’s website, “In the style of a German Maibock, using our proprietary Pacman yeast, Dead Guy is deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich, hearty flavor.”
Maibock
Digital and Plus Members Onlyby the numbers OG: 1.064–1.072 (15.7–17.5 °P) FG: 1.011–1.018 (2.8–4.6 °P) SRM: 6–11 IBU: 23–35 ABV: 6.3–7.4% I have always been a fan of German-style lagers. In fact, my love of the always-present clean malt character in these beers is what made me choose the nickname Mr. Malty. Everything from the crisp Pilsners to the
Doppelbock
Digital and Plus Members OnlyWhen new homebrewers come into the hobby, it seems that they often focus on pale ale, IPA and stout. I think I was really lucky when I started homebrewing, because many of the homebrewers I met had already moved on from those common styles. That early exposure really helped my beer knowledge blossom. For example,
Traditional Bock
Digital and Plus Members Onlyby the numbers OG:1.064–1.072 (15.7–17.5 °P) FG:1.013–1.019 (3.3–4.8 °P) SRM:14–22 IBU:20–27 ABV:6.3–7.2% I have never been to the German city of Einbeck. It is not a common tourist destination, but I am still more than a little surprised I have never been there. From what I have heard, it has a lot to offer —