One style that I have not spent as much time on as I’d like is the German Doppelbock. People who know me well know that I really favor American craft beer at the moment. I just think we have a lot to offer in this country and we are doing things that others are simply not willing to do. Having said that, I know there is a lot to be said about beers from other countries like Belgium and Germany — I have had more Belgian than German, though. This particular beer, the Celebrator by Ayinger, comes from Germany. Though I’ll admit that most of my knowledge is in the Hefeweizen category I am also quite fond of a good Doppelbock. Our very own Boulevard Brewing Company here in Kansas City just recently released a very nice one aged on cedar chips called Seeyoulator. But the Ayinger is typically heralded as the best in this style, so that’s why I have decided to make it my first Doppelbock on the show. Digging in to the first smell and taste was nice to say the least. The Celebrator is a very well-balanced beer with a subtle amount of bitterness, aroma, and great flavor. This is definitely a darker beer you could enjoy in the winter months without going too big on bitterness or ABV. Look for more of these in the future as I’m excited to see how some of the other greats stand up to this one. Leave me a comment below of which ones are your favorite and I’ll be sure to search for them next time I’m out and about at the stores.
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Wayne “The Train” Hancock
Brewery: Ayinger
Beer: Celebrator
Style: Doppelbock
Location: Aying, Germany
ABV: 6.7%
Rating: 93/100
Posted by Big Mike on January 27, 2010 at 7:57 AM
I’ve only ever had 2 Dopplebocks and both were American versions of the style. Stoudts Smooth Hoperator which I didn’t like. And Victory’s St. Victorious which I liked a lot.
Posted by thehopry on January 27, 2010 at 8:18 AM
I’m definitely not an expert in the style. But I do hear really good things about Victory. I did review their Hop Wallop a ways back, but that’s the only one I’ve had of theirs. We don’t get them here, so I have to remember to pick them up when I travel. I think I have their Barley Wine, so maybe I should put that one on the show soon…
Posted by Big Mike on January 27, 2010 at 9:12 AM
Victory is a real nice brewery. They’re about a half hour away from my house. They brew a lot of quality beers.
Posted by Barleywhiner on January 27, 2010 at 8:26 AM
Stick with the German dopplebocks. I’m usually let down by American versions. They just don’t have that malty flavor. One exception would be Capital from Wisconsin.
Posted by thehopry on January 27, 2010 at 10:29 AM
I have a feeling as well that there are some styles that are probably better from their originating country. On this beer, in particular, I really can taste the “old world” style in it. The malt and yeasts were definitely not American.
Posted by Big Mike on January 27, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Hey Mark. Did you ever think about having a chat forum on this site so people can talk about different beer related topics?
Posted by thehopry on January 27, 2010 at 10:26 AM
To be honest, I’ve only had the site up for a few months now and I’d like to wait for my base to grow quite a bit more before considering a move to a forum. I imagine, too, that it would be quite cumbersome to manage. And since I’m the one and only employee of The Hopry, it doesn’t make much sense at the moment (mainly because of time of effort). I am more than happy with 200 comments on one beer page, though, if that’s what it takes. Please…feel free to say all you want or ask all you want. We’re all here and I’ll certainly be happy to talk about whatever you want…
Posted by Big Mike on January 27, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Cool. I wasn’t sure how you felt about going off the topic of the actual beer that was reviewed.
Posted by theReaper16 on January 27, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Check out the Tucher Bajuvator Dopplebock. I like it as much if not more than the esteemed Celebrator.
Posted by thehopry on January 27, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Absolutely will do. I did a little research and show that it’s not available here. Have you seen it in town anywhere?
Posted by theReaper16 on January 27, 2010 at 10:16 PM
Indeed. I’ve seen it basically everywhere in KC. In the past couple of weeks I’ve seen it at Bubbles, Gomer’s Midtown and Lukas.
Posted by theReaper16 on January 27, 2010 at 10:18 PM
I like the strange sort of arm-rolling/air-drum-fill hand gesture thing you do at the start of this review. Though it leads me to think that the reviewed bottle of Celebrator wasn’t your first beer of that evening. ^_^
Posted by Big Mike on January 28, 2010 at 5:27 AM
I thought the same thing lol.
Posted by thehopry on January 28, 2010 at 6:53 AM
I think I was just trying to mix it up a bit. Who knows?