Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying

Cubatobaco

Virginia

4.4/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - deep, opaque, that is reminiscent of cola in the glass. In the light it reveals a garnet color. Good carbonation streams around the edges.

S - heavy malt, raisins, toffee, dark roasted coffee, lingering sweetness

T - The flavors of the aforementioned aromas are what you first get followed by other complex layers of bread, and a slight hint of metal

M - great acidity, luscious, long finish with a very light hop bitterness on the end

O - I'm new to Doppelbocks, but this will not be my last. I feel I've set the bar too high as this is going to be hard to beat. This is very complex with layers of flavor that work in the mouth like an escalator; one after another. I can see how other say they could drink a ton of this. A definite must have in the cellar and a great change of pace beer!

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 01:57:57 | More by Cubatobaco

dar482

New York

4.68/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

The color is a dark brown color, in the light which becomes brown and amber.

The aroma has caramel, coffee, and raisin. Pretty sweet and malt.

The taste follows with a round pack of flavor of roasted malt, molasses, and some rich raisins. The finish follows through with that doppelbock flavor of slight stickiness and nuttiness.

The mouthfeel is medium, but quite rich compared to other doppelbocks. The others I've had do not pack the huge delicious flavors as this, but along with that lager crispness in there too.

One of my favorite lagers and easily the best doppelbock out there.

Serving type: on-tap

05-19-2013 23:06:48 | More by dar482

dc87

Washington

3.96/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

A - Dark brown, with dark ruby red around the edges. Thin head just off white. Head disappears quickly.

S - Smells wonderful. Distinctive, bright smell. Very sweet and malty with some dried fruit, raisins. Not smelling any hops.

T - Rich. Very similar to the nose, but just a little less exciting. A little sweeter. Malts, dried fruit, and some caramel sweetness. The aftertaste is dry, hoppy and slightly toasted.

M - Decent. Light bodied. Very smooth, light on carbonation.

O - An interesting, rich lager. Pleasant to drink, but for me it doesn't live up to the hype surrounding it.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2013 05:59:23 | More by dc87

rickyleepotts

Arizona

4.84/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

I have had this beer several times. My favorite part of this beer is the little goat that hangs on the side of the bottle. Not sure if he has a name, but he's cute! There are also goats on the label. Does anyone know the connection with goals the doppelbock style?

My palate has been out of sorts lately. I haven't been in the mood for a particular style in a few weeks, and nothing tastes good. Not that it doesn't taste good, but there are days where I am not even in the mood for a beer. Good thing I know what this tastes like, and know it will be an enjoyable experience. I can already smell the bready sweetness on this bottle as I was pouring it. Let's drink!

In the Glass: I remember this beer being dark, but not this dark. It is nearly black in the glass, and offers a nice thin tan head. The lace is nice and thick, too. I am sure this will, as it heats up, it will get better. But I KNOW it will be good from the first sip.

Nose: Lots of bread on the nose. The more I smell it the more malty flavors I am starting to pick up some dark chocolate, almost coffee notes after a few sniffs. The aroma is so powerful I can almost taste it as I smell. That is a sign of a good beer. Before I take my first sip, let me tell you… the beer looks creamy in the glass now. Maybe it is the way the light is hitting the head, but the beer looks even more inviting than normal. Maybe my desire for beer is coming back!

Flavor: Holy. Crap. This beer is SO SO SO good. I mean, great. I could seriously drink a gallon of this and be fine. Well, not fine… flavor wise, anyway. There are some nice layers of carbonation to start, then the dark bready flavors really shine through. Then, as you swallow, it turns somewhat sweet and finishes with a nice hoppy dryness. Think Irish stouts when without the metallic finish. The flavor here is just incredible. I bet this would make a good food beer, too. It is thick enough to be a meal all by itself. This is what beer should taste like. Bravo, Aying!

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel on this is thick and creamy with slight bubbles around the edge. I did swish a sip around in my mouth, and it did open up a little bit. Not too much, but the fluffy texture turned to bubbles. I rarely finish a glass before I am done writing, but this will be gone before I am finished. It is too good to let it heat up. Right out of the fridge and I am satisfied. Guys, this is one of the best beers I have tasted in weeks and I plan to make this the beer of the week next week at Total Wine & More. YUMMY!

Aftertaste: For a beer that has this much flavor, I expected the finish to be a bit more bold. The drying is nice, though. It lasts for a few minutes, but isn't as intense as the flavor profile here. I guess I will just have to take another drink. Hold on… be right back! Man, this just gets better with every sip. Maybe I have found a new love for doppelbocks.

This beer makes me want to celebrate!!! Get it? I doubt that is where the name comes from, but this is such a tasty beer, I might buy another one on my way home tonight. We are going to some grand opening somewhere… free appetizers and free drinks. Not sure what, but it should be fun. I don't even know what the place is called! Anyway, I am excited to try a new bar and hopefully they have some good cocktails available. If not, I will leave and find a bar offering Celebrator. CHEERS!

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2013 21:47:22 | More by rickyleepotts

M_C_Hampton

Georgia

4.51/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass, dark brown with a short light tan head that lingers leaving good lacing, clear

S: malt, grain, dark bread, caramel, coffee, toasted grain

T: huge malt flavor, dark bread, toast, coffee

M: thicker with good carbonation, filling

O: This beer is hugely robust with excellent flavor. The focus is totally on the malt with only a slight hop bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 02:47:18 | More by M_C_Hampton

Hermanater

Pennsylvania

4.59/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Can you say molasses?

Had this beer while sampling several bocks. Of all of the bocks we tried, this was my favorite.

I tend to stay away from sweeter beers and bocks typically have that sweetness. This had a wonderfully bittersweet molasses aroma and flavor.

Respectable appearance-much darker than most bocks.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 14:44:19 | More by Hermanater

TheCondor

Missouri

4.61/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I fell in love with this one as soon as I looked at it. The ram figurine, the packaging, the fact it is an Ayinger, whose Dunkel I am a total homer for...all the elements lined up. And I have wanted to try a big-time German doppelbock forever. Side poured from the bottle into a tulip glass.

Appearance - As previously mentioned, the packaging is so cool on this one. I added the figurine to my brewerania collection, including bottle caps and rare labels. This beer hasa magnificent presentation. Dark, dark brown, almost black pour with a nice one finger head that dissipates quickly and leaves no lacing. Doesn't sound like much until you've seen it.

Smell - Sweet malts, rich dark fruit, molasses, and did I mention sweetness? If a beer can smell rich, this one does.

Taste - Oh Lord Jesus its' a fire. This is one of the most spectacular tasting beers I have ever had. Rich and creamy sweet malts wash the palate, with some nutty notes in there as well. Dark fruits round out the spectacularly balanced taste. My wife said it tasted like beer and wine had a kid together. I said it tastes like proof God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Mouthfeel - The most incredible part of the beer. Washes down so smooth and creamy, almost like cream soda or a root beer float or something. Leaves you wanting to drink more, so smooth. By far the best aspect of an incredible beer.

Overall - Seriously, this beer is in contention for the best I've ever had. This blew my hair back for sure, even my wife liked it, and she typically hates all beers. I'd buy this by the gallon if I could get it (and afford it). Unbelievable.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 03:06:28 | More by TheCondor

NoLeafClover44

Delaware

4.14/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

330mL bottle poured into SA Perfect Pint glass. No dating info to be found.

A - Some hissing on the pop of the cap. The tan head fizzled out just as quickly as it wasformed. This one looks like coke in color and head behavior. What gives? I thought bocks were supposed to have rich, fluffy heads that stuck around for the entirety. No lacing at all. Maybe there is something wrong with my bottle?

S - Sweet caramel and considerable fruit notes. Cherry, fig, and boisenberry all come to mind. A little bit savory. Roasted barley and nuts counteract the sweeter components. Not bad.

T - Deliciously malty on the start with roasted grain, sweet toffee, and bitter molasses. Cream soda flavor follows. The finish is clean with some grain and mild sweetness.

M - Smooth feel with light carbonation.

O - I was very disappointed by the appearance. The pour yielded some of the quickest dying head I have ever seen with no lacing. Luckily, it was all uphill from there. Beautiful display of malts in the aroma and flavor. I can imagine drinking this stuff out of a large dimpled mug at Oktoberfest. Good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 00:52:04 | More by NoLeafClover44

jvillefan

California

4.35/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

A: A dark brown body with a three finger mocha colored head that hung around for a long time.

S: Deep roasted malty aroma. There are dark fruits in there as well.

T: A rich malt flavor. There is a spicy belgian character in the back of this beer as well.

M: Nice heavy body with a decent carbonation.

O: A great beer. Well worth picking up.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 04:36:59 | More by jvillefan

Jacurdy60

Alabama

4.59/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a pitch-brown color with a thin toffee colored head that sticks around for the duration of the drink. Coats entire glass and leaves a nice latticework. Smells of burnt sugar, maple syrup, toasted bread, phenols (a bit medicinal), and of dark fruit, perhaps dates or figs. Tastes boozy on the front of the palate but it is balanced nicely in the middle by the malted sweetness of residual sugars and caramel, followed by a bready hopped twinge at the end but it finishes smooth and stays thick throughout the whole tasting experience. The balance and body are perfection. So smooth on the palate. Sticky, chewy until the swallow. This brew is world class. I haven't had many doppelbocks, but I could tell from the first sip that this was something special. It's very complex as the esters, phenols, malts, booze, and hops balance perfectly with a thick, chewy body on the palate.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 20:52:10 | More by Jacurdy60

Greywulfken

New York

4.51/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A: into a pilsener glass, deep amber brown beer with a couple of fingers of head; fuzzy collar persisted, some motes left behind; almost oily sheen inside glass

S: rich bready malt and molasses sweetness

T: some flavor-shifting here - started off with bold dark malt flavors, had an almost chocolately character later, and finished with some dark fruitiness, almost like raisins and dates.

M: smooth, medium-full body, some gentle carbonation fuzziness; teensy bit of stickiness

O: a celebratory beer for sure - easily my favorite doppelbock - and I'm not a big doppelbock guy or anything, but this is an excellent beer - reminded me of holiday ales and really good brown ales

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 01:00:48 | More by Greywulfken

twiggamortis420

Texas

4.71/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

11.2 oz bottle pours a very dark brown color with a creamy cap of tan head. Average retention and lacing.

Nose is sweet and caramely with a touch of dried fruit...raisins or prunes. Not sure Id go so far as to say chocolate, but there are some cocoa-esque notes in here.

Taste is wonderfully malty without being too burnt, toasty, roasty or otherwise bitter. Its so smooth and creamy. Malts are sweet, but never coming anywhere near cloying. There is a kiss of herbal hop bitterness on the finish as well. Just the right strength...some doppels, especially Americanized ones, seem to think they must clock in at 8 or 9 percent. This is one of those beers that you go back and revisit and wonder why the hell it has taken so long to buy again! This is the best doppelbock out there when fresh, I dont even really think it is debatable. Delicious.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2013 21:12:07 | More by twiggamortis420

mooseo

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

On tap at Bridgewater's Pub in Philadelphia, PA.

A - Dark brown with a thin tan head.

S - Toasted bready malt, caramel, somewhat nutty.

T - Amazing taste. Burnt toffee, caramel, toasted biscuit, and dark fruits. Lots of sweetness up front, but earthy hops keep everything in check. Notes of chocolate and nutty malt come through as it warms.

M - Creamy, smooth, medium-full body. Crisp and clean with decent carbonation.

O - All of the flavors here are in perfect harmony with one another. This is an all-around excellent double bock.

Serving type: on-tap

04-19-2013 22:24:56 | More by mooseo

Bowdoinbeerboy

Maine

4.66/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is one seriously tasty beer.

Pours from a bottle, almost no head. The beer is a deep, deep amber color, its almost opaque, but some red light manages to trickle through. The nose is nice and subdued, but some hints of candied fruit manage to work their way through.

The mouthfeel on this is great, it really gills the palate and just seem to be extremely viscous. Lots of dark flavors, very, very malty. This almost tastes like heavy rye bread in liquid form. It is absolutely delightful. Definitely a end of winter beer here!

Buy again.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 19:41:37 | More by Bowdoinbeerboy

DAllspaw

Indiana

4.2/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

pours a dark ruby, color, almost like Coke. A slight brown head which quickly dissipates.

Smell is a bit of fig and molasses, but very much a warm, rising dark bread. A bit of amber honey as well.

Taste is where this beer comes alive. The body is moderate to heavy with a pronounced malty, pumpernickel taste. certainly sweet with a slight bitter finish to offset the sweetness perfectly.

Realy nice beer, every bit as good as I thought it would be.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 01:15:56 | More by DAllspaw

barczar

Kentucky

4.28/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

2011 vintage.

Pours an opaque deep brown with ruby highlights and a frothy, dense one inch cappuccino head that dissipates slowly, leaving sheets of lacing.

Bready, deeply caramelized malt, extremely rich, with molasses sweetness, toffee, nuttiness, and dark fruits form the initial aroma. Smells like wort with undertones figs, dark cherries, raisins, and dates.

Flavor is sweet initially, with nutty, toasty notes hitting mid palate, finishing a touch roasty and dry. Malt is extremely rich and complex. Brown sugar, tart cherries, raisins, and a touch of chocolate emerge. Melanoidin character, that standard kettle caramelization, abounds.

Body is a touch light, with moderate carbonation and slight alcohol warmth.

Probably a little more dark fruit character than when fresh, but that malt richness is phenomenal. Great malt-centric brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 01:13:24 | More by barczar

TastyAdventure

Kentucky

3.96/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Appearance - 1.5 finger brown head, fades down to paper thin but retains, minimal lacing. dark brown, almost black body.

Smell - brown sugar, dried plum

Taste - caramelized malt sugars, hint if smoked meat, rich. Raisin?

mouthfeel - medium-thick, almost chewy, just enough carbo- low-medium.

Overall - Definitely better than Spaten Optimator, but not I'm not sure it's worth the price difference. $1.60/bottle Optimator, around $4 for this bottle.

Not as complex as I'd expect, with how renowned it is. But Doppelbocks aren't ever as complex as Belgians.
A great doppelbock.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 02:12:46 | More by TastyAdventure

silverking

Florida

4.64/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

A- Pours a clear mohagany with a sturdy tan head. Head retention is fantastic, as is the lacing. Lots of bubbles rising in the glass. Very nice to look at

S- Aromas of malt, figs, hops, spices, and cocoa come together beautifully.

T- malt with hints of Molasses. Slightly spicy towards the middle with notes of cocoa and ripe cherry and plum. The finish shows dark cocoa in the back of the palate with a slight bitterness.

M- Medium bodied and silky, with lots of carbonation. The carbonation really helps to bring this beer to life. It dances across your tongue on an bed of Co2.

O- Big surprise here. Seriously awesome

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 00:10:55 | More by silverking

FLima

Brazil

4.34/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Brown ruby color with a constant thin off-white head.
Malty aroma with notes of caramel, dark chocolate and earthy hops.
Delicious flavor, elegant and with character at the same time. Taste of toasted malts, earthy hops, dry fruits, brown sugar but perfect sweet level, plums and some pines. Aftertaste is dry, bitter and malty.
Medium to full body with low carbonation. A classic mistake of some beers of the style is not to conceal the alcohol (or be harmonic), and here is seen nowhere.
Definitely the best Doppelbock I tasted so far. This should please both malt and hop lovers, even though it is perfect balanced (and not a balanced over extremes). No short cuts and still a great outcome. Celebrator was a well-deserved name. And this should pair nicely with a broad range of food, especially meat or something that can stand to it.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 15:46:29 | More by FLima

YieldToNothing

New York

4.63/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

this is just a really good doppelbock.
poured from a 12oz into a duvel tulip
pours a dark brown with a 1/4 inch head. coffee notes in the smell and in the aftertaste also.
thick, heavy mouthfeel but it doesn't overwhelm and its quite pleasant.
really great doppelbock, probably not the nest i ever had, but right up there. definitely try this one, great intro to the style.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 05:45:38 | More by YieldToNothing

marzenfannm

New Mexico

5/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Enjoyed a Celebrator tonight with a grilled flatiron steak and baked potater. What a treat. It's hard to imagine a better brew to suit my taste (although it is such a rich beer I don't see myself drinking more than one or two at a sitting). This beer has a rich brownish-black appearance and pleasant aroma. The mouthfeel is like drinking milk although the taste is nothing like that. The taste is startlingly complex with so many recognizable pleasant flavors all at once. This beer goes down smooth and clean with no distracting after taste. It can be matched, but I don't think I've had better!

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2013 03:02:10 | More by marzenfannm

dpianka

Connecticut

4.7/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75

date of tasting: 3/16/2013
place of tasting: Barley Vine
beer: Celebrator
type: Ale
style: dopplebock
brewery: Ayinger
glass: mug
temperature of beer: 55

Appearance: a beautiful rich freshly varnished mahogany

Smell: first hit: fruit leather, (sure this is a serious beer, but all beer is fun damnit) then onto rich caramel hops and banana

Taste: like someone decided to make a really complex banana custard. Pleasant pine undertones with almost a hint of Irish whiskey. As it warms up, rich grape takes over and is almost malty caramel kool-aid like.

Mouthfeel: a great balance of creamy and carbonation with slight preference to carbonation

Overall Impression: I could drink this. I will drink this. There is a reason a beer like this has already been rated so high. Beautifully complex, yet simply delicious.

Food Pairing: I had this with some Irish lamb stew and it really goes perfectly. This would also go with some bananas foster as silly as that sounds now. A hamburger or some bratwurst would be really yummy, maybe a pretzel and whole grain mustard. I’m hungry again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2013 04:03:59 | More by dpianka

decimator

Ontario (Canada)

4.26/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

330ml bottle poured into a goblet. ABV 6.7%.

A - Pours a dark brown with a 1cm tan head. Head reduced to a ring of bubble with some clusters on the surface. Minimal lacing.

S - Lightly toasted bread, brown sugar, dried fruit (raisins in particular), slight nuttiness, hint of grass and a hint of booze in the background. Certainly has a bit of a fruit cake vibe to it. (And I love fruit cake.)

T - Some brown sugar, lightly toasted bread, some dried fruit, hint of coffee, mild hop bitterness. Alcohol is well masked. Flavour isn't too sweet or too burnt. Quite well balanced.

M - Medium body, medium carbonation, smooth, creamy, clean finish.

O - Oh this is quite good. Definitely the best Dopplebock I've had so far.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 02:19:29 | More by decimator

DougT

Ohio

4.46/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured down the middle of a Sam Adams glass

A: Near black, 3 finger medium tan, thick creamy head. Very slowly dissipating to thin layer with little lace.

S: Dark wheat bread, yeast, dark cherry and chocolate.

T: Not overpowering. Malty. Some hops, dark fruit. Slightly bitter finish. Chocolate in the aftertaste. Label says Dark, Malty and Rich. Truth in advertising.

M: Smooth and creamy. Hits the front of the tongue and the throat. Nice fizz. Medium body.

O: A very nice Double bock. This hits the high points. Hops and malt in balance, chocolate flavors, smooth and creamy. No alcohol taste. Just like it should be.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2013 03:04:24 | More by DougT

gr0g

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Almost as dark in color as a Schwarzbier, topped with two fingers of foam. Retention is very good and the somewhat sticky head leaves some streaks of lacing. Aroma of sweet ripe dark fruits, toffee, and the floral aroma of noble hops.

The intertwining flavors of dark, toasty malt with the aforementioned dark fruits are the highlight of the flavor profile. There's just a tinge of bitterness on the finish, enough to impart a wonderful balance to the flavor. While some doppelbocks can be one-dimensional and cloying sweet, the roasted malt and skillful hopping here lend complexity. Exceedingly smooth mouthfeel thanks to a soft, fine carbonation.

"Finest Bavarian double bock beer" is printed on the label and is entirely accurate. Despite being low in ABV compared with many other doppels, Celebrator is head and shoulders above the competition.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2013 00:16:16 | More by gr0g