Kloster Andechs Head of Public Relations Martin Glaab Talks Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel

We spoke with Kloster Andechs Head of Public Relations Martin Glaab about Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel.

Who was responsible for the recipe for this beer?
Our Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel brings together the entire monastic Bavarian brewing art of the Andechs Benedictines. The recipe for our best-known bock beer is not the work of a single monk. As is usual in a monastery, our Doppelbock Dunkel has grown over many years in many discussions, experiments and trials among the Benedictine monks and the master brewers involved.

The master brewers at our monastery brewery have refined this special brewing tradition over the years, making clever use of technical innovations and wisely adapting the recipes for this dark Doppelbock – completely independent of hype and short-lived trends. And this process of tradition and innovation continues to this day.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
What distinguishes our Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel from other beers of this type cannot be summed up in a single keyword. Our dark doppelbock is a true synthesis of the arts. And a work of art like this needs, above all, time. We give our doppelbock this time from the word go. We take our time selecting the highest-quality raw materials, in particular dark roasted malts with a strong character from the south of Germany, exclusively aromatic hops from the Hallertau region and our own pure yeasts, which we nurture and care for with particular attention. And we also continue to use our energy-intensive multiple mashing process and our long-lasting two-tank storage process, where our Doppelbock can mature very slowly into a real “treat for the body and soul.”

What makes this beer truly World Class?
Our Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel is simply a dark Doppelbock that you recognize because it tastes of the time and passion we have put into it. It is a Doppelbock that you will want to taste again, because sip by sip it tells you the story of the monastic brewing tradition on the Holy Mountain of Bavaria. This brewing tradition is closely linked to the tradition of pilgrimage and worship at Andechs, which goes back to the 12th century.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
It is really not easy to highlight just one favorite aspect of our dark Doppelbock. You have to take enough time for Andechser Doppelbock so that all your senses have the opportunity to experience the look, smell, taste, aroma and mouthfeel of this strong beer. That is why this world-famous bock beer wants to be tasted in the truest sense of the word. Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel stands firm as a rock on the table, with a color reminiscent of dark copper combined with fiery red highlights. Its clear appearance harmonizes with a firm and fine-pored foam.

A special treat awaits the nose: soft roasted notes and a hint of dried fruit accompany a pronounced caramel aroma. The taste is unmistakable: full-bodied and velvety, strong yet pleasantly malty with a robust body. There is a distinct sweetness, surrounded by roasted cocoa notes and a slight hop bitterness. The Doppelbock has a strong finish with a lingering dark chocolate note.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
Many fans of our monastery beers associate the enjoyment of our Doppelbock Dunkel with the memory of a visit to our monastery, the monastery brewery and the brewery tavern on Bavaria's Holy Mountain. This makes the Doppelbock Dunkel one of the most popular varieties of our monastery beers.

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