You just can’t beat a good old German doppelbock. Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m partial to German beers. Perhaps it’s the Teutonic blood flowing through my veins, but you don’t have to be of German heritage to appreciate the wonder of a fine German brew. Whether it be a pilsner, a bock, a Kolsch, an Altbier, a Munich Dunkles, a Schwarzbier, a Rauchbier or one of the many other German styles, it’s probably going to be good. Of that you can be sure.
I have a favored place in my heart for doppelbock, or double bock as it might be translated into English. A little bit stronger and a bit more sweet and malty than a traditional bock, these beers usually do pack a kick. And that is no coincidence, since bock is German for goat, and goats are known to have a kick of their own.
I’m always happy to add a new member to my doppelbock family. The latest is Doppel-Hirsch from Privatbrauerei Hoss Sonthoffen in Allgau, Bavaria. I’ve tasted several beers from this brewery and by far, I think, this one is their best effort. It’s a wonderfully delicious example of the style, full of rich sweet malty flavors and nutty malt goodness.
Doppel-Hirsch weighs in at 7.2% alcohol by volume. The brewery proclaims (in German) on its website that it won a bronze medal in the 2002 World Beer Cup. Those guys don’t always get it right in my opinion, but Doppel-Hirsch is deserving of kudos. It’s that good.
Doppel-Hirsch pours to a deep reddish brown color with a very light head formation and a sweet, nutty malt nose. The palate is rather thick indeed, somewhat cloying and almost syrupy at first. It has an overall viscous character and feels full and rich in the mouth.
There are strong notes of toasted nuts, light chocolate, molasses, rich sweet malt, chewy toffee, fresh bread, and husky malt. In the finish, a gentle kiss of hops are discernable, but the malt definitely wins as well it should. A gentle alcohol warmth rounds the beer out nicely. Overall, a perfect nightcap beer.
I love this one. It’s on the order of Spaten Optimator in my book, in the ranks of my favorite doppels along with Paulaner Salvator, Ayinger Celebrator, and Tucher Bajuvator. I do so love my double bocks. After a few sips of Doppel-Hirsch, I suspect you’ll love them too.
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