This Tuesday we are tasting three Doppelbock's, all from Germany. Bock bier was originally created in the 14th century in Einbeck with the modern version coming from Munich in the 17th century. Doppelbocks, or double bocks, are products of Bavaria and are rich in roasted malts. First produced by the monks of St. Paula, many still refer to the beer as "liquid bread" because of it's high caloric content. Classic characteristics are a creamy head that lasts, malty and toasty aroma, an abv between 6-10% and names typically ending with a "-tion". Here are the three we are tasting:
Paulaner Salvator: The Paulaner Salvator with its strong,typically malty taste is the original Paulaner. The bottom-fermented Doppelbock-Bier unites the finest hops and dark barley malt. The Paulaner monks served Salvator as a replacement for food at Lent. Their most famous brewer was Brother Barnabas, who was the head of the Paulaner monastery brewery starting from 1773. Its original recipe is today almost the same as it was in Barnabas' time. In order to protect the original recipe, Paulaner had the trade mark "Salvator" patented in 1896.
Schneider Aventinus: Dark ruby, glistening mysteriously, streaked with fine, top-fermented yeast, this beer has a compact, stable and long-lasting head. It has an intensive, typically top-fermented clove-like aroma. The palate experiences a gentle touch, on the tongue it is very full-bodied, compact and yet fresh with a hint of caramel. It finishes with a light and delicate taste of bitters leaving behind a strong, smoothly rounded, sour impression.
Ayinger Celebrator: Celebrator has a creamy head of tight bubbles contrasting beautifully with its profound dark robe. It is full-bodied and velvety from half a year's aging. Although it is strong, it is not overpowering. There is a wonderful and complex balance between the various malts, the alcohol and the subtle hops. A complex fruitiness of roasted malt and whole hop flowers make Celebrator great as a party drink with friends and family at celebrations. Despite its richness, it has a faintly smoky dryness in the finish.
