Drink More Doppelbock - The 6 Pack (S1E3)

This is The Beer Scholar 6-Pack podcast episode where we discuss six quick topics, mostly about beer. One is always a full breakdown of a classic beer style, one is the week's beer headlines, and one is office hours where I answer audience member questions. In this episode we talk Doppelbock, the powerful German lager.

Happy Thanksgiving (Late Edition)

Thanksgiving greeting to all the beer geeks out there. I hope you had a great holiday with friends and family, good food, and of course some good beer!

Beer Industry News: Baltika, Putin, and Craft Beer Market Maturity

The craft beer industry is facing significant headwinds. Baltika Brewery, Russia's largest brewer, is embroiled in corruption scandals tied to Putin's inner circle. Meanwhile, the broader craft beer market has matured significantly from its explosive growth phase. Many predicted a "craft beer apocalypse" as growth rates normalized.

Market dynamics show consolidation continuing as larger breweries buy up successful craft brands. The landscape has shifted from a "get big or get out" mentality to a more realistic assessment of what small independent breweries can actually achieve.

Limited Edition Beer: Tesla Cyberbeer

Some breweries are getting creative with limited edition products. Tesla-themed beers and other novelty items are part of the marketing landscape, with bottles selling for premium prices ($150 for a 2-bottle set in some cases).

Classic Beer Styles: Gale's Prize Old Ale

Gale's Prize Old Ale is an outstanding example of the Old Ale style. This traditional British ale demonstrates how oxidation and age-worthiness are central to the style's appeal. Old Ales develop complex, sherry-like flavors over time.

Doppelbock Style Deep Dive

Doppelbock is one of the greatest German lager styles. Here's everything you need to know:

History

Doppelbock has deep historical roots in Munich, Germany. The style emerged from strong lagers brewed by monks in the 1600s. Particularly, the monks at the Paulaner monastery are credited with developing the style. These beers were brewed to sustain the monks through long Lenten fasts. The name "Doppelbock" literally means "double bock," indicating it's a stronger version of the traditional Bock lager.

The monks would brew Doppelbock as a high-alcohol beer that could be aged and would provide sustenance and calories during periods of fasting. The strength, richness, and drinkability of Doppelbock made it ideal for this purpose.

Style Characteristics

• ABV: 7–10% (typically 8–9%)
• Color: Deep amber to dark brown, may appear opaque
• Bitterness: 16–26 IBU
• Origin: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Key Characteristics: Rich malt complexity, smooth lager character, full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel
• Aroma & Flavor: Rich bread/toast malt, subtle dark fruit (plum, raisin), potential for alcohol warmth, minimal hop presence, clean lager yeast character
• Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, smooth, creamy, warming alcohol perception, low carbonation
• Finish: Dry, clean, lingering malt sweetness

Brewing Technique: Decoction Mashing

Doppelbock's richness comes partly from traditional Bavarian brewing techniques, particularly decoction mashing. This technique involves:

1. Heating a portion of the mash to boiling
2. Returning the boiled mash back to the main mash
3. This raises the overall mash temperature and creates complex malt compounds through controlled protein/starch interactions

Decoction mashing is labor-intensive but creates deeper malt character and protein break necessary for a full-bodied lager. Modern brewers sometimes skip this step, but traditional Bavarian breweries continue using it for Doppelbock.

Notable Examples

Outstanding examples of Doppelbock include: - Paulaner Salvator - Ayinger Celebrator - Spaten Optimator - Hofbräu Deluxe

Pairing and Serving

Doppelbock pairs beautifully with: - Hearty German cuisine (schnitzel, sausages, roasted meats) - Rich cheeses - Bread-based dishes - Chocolate desserts

Serve at 50–55°F to appreciate the full malt complexity. Drink from a chalice, stein, or snifter to enjoy the aroma and appreciate the beer's richness.

Tasting Notes

When tasting Doppelbock: - Observe the deep amber to brown color - Expect minimal head, but rich and creamy when present - Nose should show bread/toast malt with subtle dark fruit and clean lager yeast - Flavor should be rich and complex with malt sweetness, subtle fruit, and clean finish - Mouthfeel should feel full and creamy with smooth alcohol - The finish should be dry but with lingering malt presence

Music Recommendation

Ryan Celsius (a musician referenced in this episode) brings great tunes to the table. Good background music while enjoying a Doppelbock!