Salvator Doppel Bock - Paulaner Brauerei GmbH & Co. KG

lancecenter

Texas

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Deep red color, light head that dissipates quickly in to a thin layer. Not much lacing.

S - Surprisingly muted, kinda metallic, really not a whole lot here.

T/M - Exceptional. Malty goodness, caramel, bananas, honey, and spices. Fairly strong alcohol aftertaste.

O - Very drinkable doppelbock. Probably a little underrated. A little bit of the taste comes through in the nose as the beer warms.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 22:03:40 | More by lancecenter

mmmbirra

Italy

3.58/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

a clear deep red. the head is large but dies off quick.
Some nice maltiness in the nose, typical of a doppelbock, but there's also a significant alcohol burn which is unexpected and unwelcome.
the flavor it has is nice: malty and fruity, some raisins figs cherries, typical traits of large portions of Munich malt(and I believe this one is made with only Munich malt.) Unfortunately though it doesn't have a rich enough flavor to balance the alcohol and as a result the alcohol bite is a little too present.
Very light-bodied for the style and much less sweet than other doppelbocks. This makes it easier to drink, but ultimately it's thinness allows the alcohol to come through too much which really takes away from my enjoyment of it. I'm putting a few bottles aside to see if it mellows out over the next year or so.
I like it, but it could be so much more and really should be.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 21:43:44 | More by mmmbirra

cavedave

New York

4.01/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Pours amber brown, a one finger tawny heady, cloudy, thick looking. Head collapses pretty quickly, a nice ring stays. Swirling it leaves some oily legs.

Caramel, lighter sweet, light floral, even lighter spice, sort of a generic fruitiness to it.

Taste is a nice mix of malt flavors, caramel, toffee, grainy bread, some really light malty fruit in there too, even a hint of chocolate, quite a palette of malt artistry. Balancing is a modicum of rooty herbal bitter, and some light floral, that ends the sip on a note that tries to cut through the mainly sweet flavors of the beer. It warms and I grow to enjoy it more.

Mouithfeel is quite thick and coating, finish is right in the middle of the style, light carb., and fairly clean flavors in the linger, no hint of alcohol.

Always liked this one, though not a huge fan of the style, and I certainly recommend it, even if you also are not a fan of this style.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 21:45:29 | More by cavedave

dar482

New York

3.33/5  rDev -15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

It has a light caramel brown/coppercolor.

The aroma has some light caramel malts.

It has a smooth flavor, but lacks pop. It has a syrupy caramel malt and a decent amount of alcohol. It has a big honey dry sweetness, but really lacks complexity, big malt, hops, or huge dark fruit flavors that I want from a doppelbock.

It really lacks carbonation and a round mouthfeel. It's a too thin for me. Quite disappointing.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2013 04:22:03 | More by dar482

kvnstfrd

Missouri

3.68/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a 16 oz. snifter. Pours a medium amber-brown with a small, white head that fades away quickly. Aromas of strong, sweet tea, cherry Kool-Aid and a moderate scent of alcohol. Taste is fruity sweet and bitter right up front. I don’t notice much complexity or change between the initial taste and the finish. I also don’t detect any toasted or caramel flavors that I am accustomed to with other doppelbocks. That aroma of cherry Kool-Aid is also slightly present in the flavor. Alcohol presence is above what I consider normal for a doppelbock with a bit of a burn. A bit hoppy, too. Mouth-feel is right; medium to full bodied with carbonation very low.

If I were judging this beer by its accuracy to style, I would give it a low rating; it lacks the many of the attributes that a doppelbock should have and possesses some that it shouldn’t. However, it is still a very tasty brew that I’ve bought many, many times and will again.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 12:21:04 | More by kvnstfrd

microbrewlover

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

This brew is an amber brown color with a two finger frothy mocha head which lasts a while then settles down into a creamy lace.

The smell is cherries, wheat, raisins, carmel, nuts and bread.

The taste, sadly, does not follow the nose. The taste is pretty plain with sweet malts, carmel, wheat lots of sugar but that is about it. The alcohol is masked well. There is almost no hop bitterness; which is fine for a Doppel Bock

The mouthfeel is thick, bready and chewy.

Overall this brew disappointed a bit with the taste which is a shame because the smell was good. This is still a drinkable brew and it does down nicely at the end of the day.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 21:57:35 | More by microbrewlover

Danny1217

Florida

4.16/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a medium amber color. A somewhat small head with decent lacing.
Smells of sweet caramel, grainy bread, and dark fruits. The alcohol is hidden well within the aroma.
I'm getting some caramel and bread. However, the strongest flavor is sweet red cherries. The sweetness isn't overboard though, and the beer is actually somewhat dry in comparison to some other doppelbocks I have had. This beer is fairly balanced. Nice rich mouthfeel.
I thought I would only have one tonight, but I ended up having two because I enjoyed it a lot.

A pretty good Doppelbock.I think I am starting to open up to the style a bit more.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 04:58:56 | More by Danny1217

WissBrauSean

Pennsylvania

3.61/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

It poured at 55 degrees F into a pint glass an amber/brown colour with a nice one to two finger head that fades to a ring and a Friar Tuck center cap and leaves a little bit of lacing, but it's not very sticky.

The aroma is of caramel malts, quite sweet smelling with strong hints of fruits like pear and raisins. It also has a nice bready smell to it as well. Some molasses and alcohol are noticeable also.

The flavour starts off caramel sweet and pretty much stays for the duration until the end where hops are definitely noticeable. Along the ride are some spicy apple notes with a bit of tart, some bready notes and finally apparent alcohol nearing the end followed by some peppery hops and a bit of dryness. It's mostly sweet but not overly so. At the end of the pint glass as this beer warms up, I get an unpleasant corn taste in my mouth.

The mouthfeel is creamy sweet on the border of syrupy and the body which is full, but not enough to make annoying. There is a slick feeling on the tongue and the carbonation is light to moderate.

Overall, this is a good beer. It's affordable and a good example of a doppel bock, but I am not down with the corn taste. I will, however, score this beer fairly high because it seems to meet most of the requirements of a doppel bock and is, for the most part, pleasant. I'm going to say an average of 4 may be in order.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 01:27:43 | More by WissBrauSean

themind

New Jersey

2.96/5  rDev -24.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Well it's not a bad Bock beer but it's no legend in the making. I enjoyed the chance to try this brew but sadly I would not buy it again. Not because it's bad but because I would like to spend cash on others that I have not tried. My point is this beer was average...nothing more.

Bottom Line: Average Bock.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 02:16:27 | More by themind

FLima

Brazil

3.56/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Copper color with lots of off-white thick head with fair retention until it left just a ring.
Malty aroma with hints of vanilla and caramel.
Again malty flavor with lots of rum, oak (and it doesn’t say it is aged!) and some spices. Felt just a bit of hops but hard to be sure on their type, some pine. Alcohol is noticeable but enhances the overall beer. Dry aftertaste but not really bitter.
Medium body with medium carbonation.
Solid Doppelbock, even better it gets a bit cold. This is a good example to differentiate between a doppelbock and a lame malt licquor.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 00:47:27 | More by FLima

mjurney

Texas

4.56/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance:
Deep copper color, clear. Lots of fine bubble rising up. Thick beige head.

Aroma:
Sweet bread, deep caramel, toasted, sugary, molasses, some alcohol.

Taste:
Very rich, deep barley malts, brown bread, caramel, toasted, spiced rum, touch of molasses. Bitterness is very mild. Soft, semi dry finish. Body is full, a little syrupy, warmth, smooth, easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 01:56:18 | More by mjurney

JuicesFlowing

Kansas

3.83/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured into a shaker pint.

Look: Hazy pumpkin-brown; off white head; no lacing.

Aroma: Buttery caramel and malts.

Taste: Spicy caramel, bitter, sweet malt notes. Faint hops.

Mouthfeel: Medium weight, dry.

Overall: Alcohol is hidden well and the caramel comes out well. A pretty good brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 20:35:34 | More by JuicesFlowing

1234Jack

3.45/5  rDev -12%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

initial smell out of bottle is malt, cherries.

1/2 in. head, dissipates in about a minute.

color is beautiful brown at darkest to vibrant orange at lightest.

smell out of glass is sugary sweet malt.

initial taste brings toasted malt, a little bit of sweetness in the back.

tart on sides of tongue.

slight apple taste.

bitterness is strong.

alcoholic feel is definitely there.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 09:32:47 | More by 1234Jack

bat6

District of Columbia

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5

Poured into tumbler, added vigor provides a creamy one-finger head w/out much retention. I caught myself staring at it trying to figure out the right words for the deep teak appearance that catches ruby reds in the light like mahogany... forget the head, the color is captivating.

There's a lot going on in the nose: brown sugar and molasses, maybe fig, black bread w/ a hint of musty earth... it smells rich and very deep, I'm intrigued

The taste is much sweeter than it smells. Candied nuts and brown sugar- maybe candied stone fruits too- are the first wave, then there's some bready molasses w/ a hint of sour to cut the sugar a bit. The hops barely start to dry things out but it lingers slick and fairly sweet on the palate. Definitely tastes a bit boozy. It's not balanced and it's not supposed to be.

The mouthfeel is slick, smooth and massive like the dominating flavor profile. Almost gravity-bending. Impressive.

This beer commands immediate respect by asserting a brawny ego and aggressively pushing the senses. It makes me wish I could drink more than one of these so it wouldn't think I was lame, but in this case the heavy sweetness is a little overwhelming. I definitely recommend trying this beer

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 10:54:17 | More by bat6

Jimmys

Pennsylvania

4.14/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle. best before 08/13.

A: slightly hazed. however mostly bright chestnut hued. head is slightly off-white and bubbly. retention is average as is the slightly spotted lacing.

S: tons of chestnut and plenty of oak. there is a definite woodiness to this brew. brown sugar by the boatload.

T: wow this is a sweet malty brew. cherries, wood, blackberries. a little bit of apple juice. lingering meaty finish. plenty of grain, some wood all make a presence after the drink is gone.

M: a zesty carb. full and flavorful body.

D: a solid doppelbock. plenty of flavor for a lower abv doppel brew. for the availability, definitely worth picking up.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 03:08:53 | More by Jimmys

safaricook

Netherlands

3.83/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Bought in a regular Rewe supermarket just across the border in Germany coming from Sittard, NL. Poured this right out of the fridge into my tall Zwettler Original Pilser glass and drank it cold.

Beautiful beige fine bubbled head of a few fingers and very steady. Body is clear dark amber with lots of carbonation visible. Can't believe this is unfiltered (according to label).

Malty aroma and some oak maybe. Molasses and hidden booze.

Malty and bitter in taste. Much more bitter than expected.

This foam can be bitten almost as whipped cream. Full body as well. Goes down with a dryness that sticks to palate. Enough carbonation to remove some of the heavyness.

Perfect beer on an Ash Wednesday. Nourishing and full flavoured. Alcohol content is well hidden. Leaves you satisfied and your taste buds busy for quite some time.

As the beer gets warm the alcohol aroma and taste gets stronger and a bit unpleasant. I prefer drinking this one cold, why not?

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 21:14:50 | More by safaricook

AmitC

Indiana

3.81/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from the 500 ml bottle into Weihenstephan hefe glass. Deep amber to almost brown color. About two finger thick off white to light tan colored head with excellent retention. Excellent lacing on the sides. A lot of bubbles. Hazy appearance.

Smell has a lot of raw and boozy malt. Some caramel and a lot of unattenuated mess. Smells very bad, similar to some of the poor Lithuanian beers i had. A hell lot of caramel and may be molasses kind of smell.

Taste is almost similar with dominant caramel and malt flavor. Melanoidins or something have a huge presence. Some apaprent booze. Finish is on the sweeter side.

Mouth feel is medium to very slightly full. A lot of carbonation that becomes somewhat astringent along with the hurting booze. A good amount of warmth.

I am disappointed, with this German product.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2013 00:24:37 | More by AmitC

kshizzle101

Washington

3.98/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

16oz bottle poured into a pint glass

A - Aggressive pour yields a 4 inch head. Reddish brown in color, slightly hazy.

S - bready, dark fruits like plums or cherries, also get a decent amount of hops

T - sweet fruits, plums and cherries again, good bready malt backbone. burst of hops and booze toward the end. booze is almost overpowering after a few sips

M - medium bodied, a nice stickiness to it, but not imposing

O - A good beer for a few sips, but halfway down, the booze starts to kill off other flavors in my mouth. Worth trying however.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2013 23:27:11 | More by kshizzle101

Bashao

Israel

4.01/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours out very thin in an amber color. White brown head that was stable (much longer then the bottle).

Smell/Aroma: Smells of malty caramel. Vey promising smell.

Taste: Mostly malt taste. Almost no hops. Very good taste although sometimes you can taste the alcohol after taste.

Mouthfeel: Very thick beer. Goes down ok. After half a liter you can feel your head starting to spin.

Overall this is an amazing beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-21-2013 20:44:59 | More by Bashao

thrash420

California

4.65/5  rDev +18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours out very thin in a reddish amber color. Very little head that dissipates quickly. If this beer were a hooker, I would not pay her for this head. No froth, just a few bubbles to remind me of its carbonation.

Smell/Aroma: Reeks of malty caramel with light spices with a slight alcohol tinge. Upon hitting the nose, my senses gear up for a delightful treat. They are not let down.

Taste: Salvator is very bocky. A alot of malt, not very hoppy. It almost has an oak casket taste, not like the one my dead grandmother is buried in, but the kind they use for bourbon. A strong deep flavor with a kick that reminds you it is nearly 8%. Usually when reviewing, I savor my beers and enjoy them slow, this is so drinkable I found my schooner nearly empty in just a few minutes. I love the taste of this bock, and if this beer were a hooker, I would forgive her for her lack of head, because she tastes amazing.

Mouthfeel. It goes down easy and smooth. It lacks head and thickness, but still manages to feel creamy. I would say if this beer were a hooker, I like her in my mouth.

Overall this is a great beer. If anybody tells you otherwise, they have probably had some amazing hookers.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 06:33:26 | More by thrash420

alexipa

Colorado

4.14/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Dark brownish red and crystal clear. Thick white head that dissipates quickly.

S: Very malty, lots of caramel and toffee. Can also pick up some alcohol.

T: If you were to serve this to me blind and tell me it was barrel aged, I would absolutely believe you. It's extremely malty and bready, with a wood character and something that reminds me of Bourbon. I almost feel like the heat is the best balance for the malt as hops seem to be an afterthought. For the record, I'm absolutely not complaining!

M: Under carbonated for sure, but I might blame that on being obviously a little on the old side. The alcohol is present but pleasant. Very creamy.

O: I honestly can't decide if I like this beer or absolutely love it. At the moment, I expected something a little easier to drink as that's what I'm in the mood for. Give me a chilly night after dinner and this would be the perfect sipper. A truly great beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 22:31:10 | More by alexipa

scot_chale

Minnesota

3.55/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Murky brownish orange color with a head the disappears almost immediately.

S- I could hardly smell anything. Maybe a little malt and diacetyl but it isn't potent.

T- I like the flavor. The alcohol content comes through in a pleasant warming way. The caramel malt is present. Not much for hops, but there is something subtle there.

M- It's a wash, just the way I like my lagers. Easy to kick down, carbonated as hell, and dry finish.

O- It's a good beer. It'd buy it again in a mix-your-own 6 pack, but i don't think i could commit to a full 6 pack of it.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 05:20:16 | More by scot_chale

Damian74Shensky

South Carolina

3.03/5  rDev -22.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12 0z bottle poured into a Mug.

A- Dark with very nice head.
S- Light hop, malty, brown sugar.
T- sweet with toffee, licorice, and dark fruit. Some bitterness.
M-Creamy and thick. Medium body.
O-Good doppelbock, on the lighter side, but wasn't bad. Would get again.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 22:31:01 | More by Damian74Shensky

acelin

Kansas

2.98/5  rDev -24%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Poured from the bottle into a pint glass.

Pours a light caramel/amber, with a medium creme head that dissipates quickly. Leaves moderate lacing. What the hell? If this is the original doppelbock, which is ever other doppel dark brown? Doesn't make sense.

The nose is gifted with caramel malt, pale malt, some dark fruit, some apple cider.

The taste follows, but goodness is it weak for a doppel. None of the same dark caramel, hints of chocolate, and the malt is really tamed.

I'm not sure how this is the original doppel - Perhaps in alcohol, but not in body. Ayinger might have this game locked up for best doppel. Even Weihenstephaner's Korbinian is miles better.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 16:01:12 | More by acelin

Hopswagger

Oklahoma

3.6/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

P: Vivacious copper orange body with small layer of creamy tan head.

S: Huge aroma of Whoppers chocolate malt balls, roasted toffee, salted caramel apples, prunes, milk chocolate and barley.

T/M: Hard apple cider soaked prunes, toffee, and finishes with dry salted caramel covered apples. Mouthfeel is actively carbonated and a creamy medium body.

O: A good beer that has great availability. It's s solid competitor for a go to dopple bock. The aroma when cold was awesome cause I was over whelmed by Whoppers and I love Whoppers. Anyone who doesn't really doesn't exist and I would rather not ever see them. Anyways this is a definite have to try. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 20:38:57 | More by Hopswagger