Bock & Doppelbock

Buy Bockbier and Doppelbock online at Honest & Rare

At Honest & Rare you will find an exquisite selection of Bockbier and Doppelbock from some of the best craft breweries. Whether you're looking for the malty sweetness of a classic bock beer or the intense depth of a doppelbock, you can discover the variety of these strong beer styles with us.

Interesting facts about bock beer and doppelbock, two of the strongest and most flavorful beer styles in the brewing world.

History and origin

The history of bock beer and doppelbock goes back centuries and is closely linked to the German brewing tradition.

Origin of bock beer

Bock beer originated in Einbeck in northern Germany in the 14th century. The town's brewers were known for their strong, dark beers, which were robust and long-lasting thanks to special brewing techniques and the use of quality malt. These beers quickly became popular throughout northern Germany and beyond. In the 17th century, Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria, brought master brewers from Einbeck to Munich to bring the art of bock beer brewing to the south. The Bavarian dialect transformed "Einbeck" into "Oanpock", which eventually became "Bock".

Development of the Doppelbock

Doppelbock, an even stronger version of bock beer, was first brewed by the monks of the St. Franziskaner monastery in Munich in the 17th century. These strong beers served the monks as "liquid bread" during Lent, when solid food was forbidden. The best-known doppelbock, "Salvator", was originally brewed by these monks. The name "Doppelbock" itself indicates the double character of the beer - stronger and more full-bodied than traditional bock beer.

What distinguishes bock beer from doppelbock?

Bockbier: As a strong lager style, Bockbier is known for its distinctive malty character and robust strength. With an original gravity of at least 16%, it comes in a range of colors from light to dark and offers a rich, often slightly sweet taste experience.

Doppelbock: An even more intense variant of Bock beer, Doppelbock, or "Doppler", raises the original gravity to at least 18% and thus also the alcohol content. Doppelbock is deeper, richer and more complex, often with notes of dark fruit, caramel and a distinct sweetness.

The characteristics of bock beer and doppelbock

Bockbier and Doppelbock are known for their strong aromas and deep flavor profiles. These strong beers are characterized by their malty sweetness, often sweet undertones and a higher alcohol strength, which makes them a true drinking experience.

Aroma profile and flavor notes

Malt dominance: The aroma of Bockbier and Doppelbock is strongly characterized by malt. Expect notes of caramel, toast, nuts and sometimes chocolate or dark fruit, which come from the use of special malts.

Sweet complexity: Compared to lighter beers, Bock and Doppelbock often offer a pronounced sweet maltiness, which is supported by the higher original wort and alcohol content.

Hop balance: Although the malt flavor dominates, bock beers and some doppelbock variants in particular have a subtle hop bitterness that provides a balanced taste experience.

The influence of original wort on the taste

Original wort and alcohol: The original wort, a measure of the content of fermentable sugars in the brewing water before fermentation, is decisive for the classification of bock beer and doppelbock. Bock beers must have an original gravity of at least 16%, while doppelbocks can even reach 18% or more. This high original gravity leads to a higher alcohol content and contributes to the intense depth of flavor and full body.

Depth of flavor: The high original gravity not only leads to a higher alcohol content, but also to a richer, more complex flavor palette. The sugar molecules that are not converted into alcohol during fermentation give the beer its characteristic sweetness and fullness.

Traditional and modern brewing methods

The art of brewing Bockbier and Doppelbock is deeply rooted in traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. At the same time, the craft beer movement has added new dimensions and interpretations to these classic beer styles.

Traditional brewing methods of Bockbier and Doppelbock

A key aspect of traditional production is the long lagering period. These beers are often stored for months at cool temperatures to smooth and develop their flavors. This promotes greater clarity and a rounded taste.

Special malts are crucial for the characteristic deep, malty flavor. Darker malts provide rich flavors of caramel, bread and sometimes chocolate.

Bottom-fermenting yeast: Both beer styles are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast, which works at cooler temperatures and is responsible for the clean, round flavor profiles.

Modern interpretations in the craft beer scene

Craft brewers use unusual ingredients such as exotic malts, special hop varieties or spices and herbs, which can lead to unique flavor profiles.

In addition to traditional methods, craft brewers are experimenting with techniques such as barrel aging to intensify the complexity and flavor of their beers.

Some modern brewers are creating hybrid beer styles by blending elements of bock beer and doppelbock with other beer styles, resulting in innovative and unexpected flavor experiences.

How to enjoy Bockbier and Doppelbock properly

Bockbier and Doppelbock are multi-layered strong beers that offer a deliberate enjoyment experience. To develop and enjoy their full aroma spectrum, certain serving tips and the right food pairing are essential.

Serving tips and ideal drinking temperature

Drinking temperature: To fully appreciate the complex aromas of bock beer and doppelbock, they should not be served too cold. An ideal drinking temperature is between 8°C and 12°C. The malty, caramel and fruity aromas develop best at this temperature.

The right glass: A tulip-shaped glass or snifter is ideal for concentrating the aromas and allowing the right amount of foam to form. Swirling the glass slightly can also release the aromas and intensify the taste experience.

Pour carefully: In order to achieve the optimum head and avoid aerating the beer too much, the beer should be poured slowly and carefully. Pouring too quickly can lead to excessive foam formation and drown out the subtle aromas.

Food pairing - Which dishes go well with these strong beers?

Hearty and roasted dishes: The sweet aromas of Bockbier and Doppelbock harmonize with hearty dishes such as roasted meat, grilled dishes, stews and game. The malty sweetness complements the roasted aromas of the food and ensures a well-rounded taste experience.

Cheese: Strong beers such as Bock and Doppelbock go perfectly with strong, mature cheeses, whose intense aromas are balanced by the sweetness of the beer.

Desserts: Malty and caramel notes make these beers ideal for sweet, creamy desserts such as chocolate cake, crème brûlée or cheesecake. A wonderful combination of sweetness and intensity.

Christmas spices: During the cold season, Bockbier and Doppelbock pair well with dishes containing Christmas spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, bringing a festive note to the food and enhancing the flavor of the beer.

Bock beer and doppelbock in the kitchen

The rich and complex flavors of Bockbier and Doppelbock make them excellent ingredients in the kitchen, both in cooking and baking and in the preparation of creative cocktails. Their malty sweetness and depth provide an excellent base for a variety of recipes.

Cooking and baking with Bockbier and Doppelbock

Braised dishes: The robust flavors of Bockbier and Doppelbock can elevate beef or pork braised dishes to a new level by introducing an extra dimension of depth and sweetness.

Baked goods: From breads to desserts, adding Bockbier or Doppelbock to baked recipes can make for an interesting flavor profile. Especially in chocolate cake or brownies, the beer can deepen the flavor and contribute exceptional moisture.

Sauces and marinades: The sweet, malty notes are great as a base for sauces for meat dishes or as part of marinades that tenderize meat and give it a rich flavor.

Creative cocktail ideas

Bock beer and doppelbock cocktails: Although less common, bock beer and doppelbock can be interesting base components for cocktails. Mixed with dark spirits such as bourbon or rum, they can result in unique drinks that pick up on the malty sweetness of the beer.

Beer reductions: A reduction of bock beer or doppelbock, possibly sweetened and spiced, can serve as an exceptional syrup for cocktails to add depth and complexity.

Beer floats: For a sweet treat, try a beer float with doppelbock and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of rich beer and creamy ice cream offers a surprisingly harmonious taste experience.

Storage and shelf life of bock beer and doppelbock

Bockbier and Doppelbock, known for their rich aromas and higher alcohol content, have great potential for storage and maturation. The right storage can have a positive influence on the flavor development of these strong beers and lead to an even more fulfilling drinking experience.

Tips for optimal storage

Temperature: Store bock beer and doppelbock at a constant temperature between 10°C and 13°C in a cool, dark place. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations so as not to impair the maturing process.

Light protection: Avoid direct sunlight or artificial light, as these can trigger chemical reactions in the beer. Dark bottles offer protection, but darkness is ideal.

Store upright: Unlike wine, bock beer and doppelbock should be stored upright to minimize the contact area between the beer and the cap and avoid flavor impairment.

Maturation potential of strong beers

Long-term shelf life: Thanks to their higher alcohol content and robust aroma structure, Bockbier and Doppelbock have excellent ageing potential. Over time, the flavor profiles can develop and round off, with sweet, malty notes intensifying and greater complexity emerging.

Development over time: New flavors can develop during storage. Fruity, wine-like aromas may emerge and the initial hop bitterness may diminish, resulting in a smoother, rounder overall impression.

Patience pays off: Some bock beers and doppelbocks only reach their flavor peak after several years of storage. Experimenting with different storage times can help to find the ideal maturation time for the respective beer.

Questions and answers about bock beer and doppelbock

What is meant by bock beer?

Bock beer is a strong, malty lager style known for its rich aroma and high alcohol content.

What is the difference between bock beer and normal beer?

Compared to many other beer styles, bock beer has a higher alcohol content and a stronger malty note.

How strong is a bock beer?

Bock beer typically has an alcohol content of 6.3% to 7.2%.

When is bock beer drunk?

Traditionally, bock beer is enjoyed seasonally in winter and spring.

Why does bock beer have more alcohol?

The higher original gravity of bock beer leads to more fermentable sugars, which are converted into alcohol during fermentation.

Why is it called bock beer?

The name comes from the town of Einbeck, where the beer was originally brewed, which was later shortened to "Bock".

What percentage of alcohol does a doppelbock have?

Doppelbock has an alcohol content of 7% to over 12%.

Why Doppelbock?

Doppelbock was originally brewed by monks as a more nutritious, stronger beer for Lent.

What does Doppelbock taste like?

Doppelbock is known for its deep, rich malt flavors with notes of dark fruit, caramel and sometimes chocolate.

Is Doppelbock strong beer?

Yes, Doppelbock is classified as a strong beer due to its high alcohol content and intense flavor profiles.

When do you drink doppelbock?

Doppelbock is often enjoyed in the colder months or during Lent.

How do you drink bock beer?

Bock beer is best enjoyed at a temperature of 7-10°C from a tulip-shaped glass.

What do you eat with bock beer?

Bock beer goes well with hearty dishes such as grilled meat, hearty stews or mature cheese.

What is special about bock beer?

The special thing about bock beer is its malty taste, higher alcohol strength and rich history.

What is the difference between bock beer and doppelbock?

Doppelbock is a stronger, sweeter version of bock beer with a higher alcohol content and an even more intense malty flavor.