Strong beer

Strong beer - Strong enjoyment with tradition

Strong beer, also known as bock beer, is a style of beer characterized by its high alcohol content and intense taste. It is particularly popular in the colder months and has a long tradition in German beer culture.

The history of strong beer

The history of strong beer goes back to the Middle Ages, when monks in Bavaria brewed a strong beer to get through Lent. These beers were nutritious and had a high alcohol content, which earned them the name "liquid bread".

The special features of strong beer

Strong beer is characterized by its strong body, malty sweetness and high alcohol content. It often has aromas of caramel, nuts and dried fruit. The alcohol content is usually between 6% and 12%, which makes strong beer a particularly full-bodied pleasure.

Varieties of strong beer

Pale bock

Heller Bock is a pale, malty type of beer with a sweet, slightly fruity aroma. It is less strongly roasted and has a clear, golden color.

Dark Bock

Dark bock is a strong, dark beer with intense malt notes reminiscent of chocolate and caramel. It has a deep brown to black color.

Doppelbock

Doppelbock is the strongest version of bock, with an even higher alcohol content and a very rich, complex taste. It was originally brewed by monks and known as "Salvator".

Eisbock

Eisbock is an extremely strong version of bock, made by freezing and removing ice from the beer. This concentrates the alcohol and aromas, resulting in a very intense beer.

The production of strong beer

The production of strong beer begins with the selection of special malts, which give the beer its strong body and sweet taste. After mashing and boiling, a larger quantity of malt and hops is added to the wort to achieve the higher alcohol content and intense aromas.

Fermentation takes place at lower temperatures and over a longer period of time, giving the beer time to develop its complex flavors. After fermentation, the strong beer is often stored for several months to refine and clarify the taste.

Some strong beers, such as Eisbock, undergo an additional step where the beer is partially frozen and the ice is removed to further concentrate the alcohol content. This results in a particularly intense and rich beer.

Strong beer in German beer culture

Strong beer has a firm place in German beer culture and is often enjoyed on special occasions and festivals. Especially in spring, during the strong beer season, numerous strong beer festivals are held in Bavaria, where the various bock beers are celebrated.

These festivals are a tribute to the long tradition and craftsmanship of the brewers who produce these strong beers. Strong beer is often served in special glasses that bring out the aromas and flavors.

Enjoyment and storage of strong beer

Strong beer should be served at temperatures between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius to bring out the full aromas. It is often served in special, tulip-shaped glasses that capture and enhance the complex aromas.

Strong beer should be stored in a cool, dark place. Many strong beers, especially Doppelbock and Eisbock, can be stored for years and develop additional flavor complexity. When drinking, you should take your time to discover and enjoy the different aromas.