Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel

Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel by Kloster Andechs was judged as a Doppelbock, Style 9A, according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Pleasantly rich malt aromas of dark caramels and very faint leather with a whisper of milk chocolate assail my nostrils upon opening. No hops were detected, instead this beer showcases a complexity of layered malt aromas. Further down the olfactory sense you begin to pick up a slight fruitiness, which is expected for the style.

With brilliant clarity this mahogany-colored beer was topped by a fluffy tan head. Bubbles rising to the top indicated the loose viscosity and visual carbonation level.

The malt flavors are strong and mirror the aroma. Dark caramel, leather and milk chocolate are in the foreground while the fruitness of plums comes through just before the finish. The maillard reaction that occurred during the kilning of the malt becomes a flavorful experience of layered malt richness. Bocks are meant to be strong, and although the alcohol level here is on the lower end of the range, it helps this beer’s soft drinkability. The hops are nearly unnoticeable and here just for balance, though they do provide a moderately bitter finish. This beer is as big and complex as the flavor notes indicate. Rich honey tones develop after a few sips, bringing forth more malt complexity to an already rich beer.

This is a full-bodied beer with a low amount of creaminess. The carbonation is medium and accentuates the dryness beautifully. No warming alcohols are detected to reveal its strength.

This is a world-class example of the style, and one that hits all the stylistic hallmarks with a strong, rich malt presence that should make the Pauline monks proud. The malt character carries this beer very well throughout the palate and continues to be flavorful all the way to the last drop. Prost!