Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
Celebrator is a reknowned doppelbock, or if you prefer, “double bock” beer. Bocks are German beers that can be traced to farmers and Roman Catholic monks of centuries past, characterized by malty fullness. A doppelbock, as its name suggests, extends these qualities, including a higher alcohol content that ranges from 6% to 9%.
First, let me say that this beer isn’t cheap. A 4-pack of 12-oz bottles set me back $12.99. At over $3 a bottle, I can assure you my palette was in overdrive. My prevailing reaction was being genuinely impressed. Despite a rich brown color and tan head, the flavor was mild in comparison to previous doppelbocks I’ve tried. This is partly explained by emphasis on malt in favor of hops, and also by a modest 6.7% ABV – just right, in my estimation. The flavor is rich and dark, but not bitter. On my first sip I noticed a distinct roasted flavor, but this retreated as a pleasant chocolate/coffee accent seemed to lace each sip. The aroma is particularly inviting, boasting a complexity that would require a bigger bullshitter to properly honor.
Despite the full flavor, the beer finishes clean, leaving the palette ready for anything. This makes the beer a great complement for a meal – I can say this confidently, because I was eating when I poured out the Celebrator. Normally I don’t enjoy beer with meals, but this beer was truly refreshing, a total surprise from a Doppelbock (or any beer that looms so darkly in your glass).
When sampling a beer with a reputation like Celebrator, it’s easy to swoon and make an over-appraisal. But I can say honestly that, if anything, I approached this beer with skepticism and it emerged vindicated. Most everything about this beer is “just right”, a real treat for any beer geek in-the-making.
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