Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying

travelfrog

New York

3.58/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This is one of the few "*-ator" Munich Starkbier brands I did not try in Munich during my Starkbierzeit pilgrimages in my younger days... ;) I must say I was a bit disappointed, especially since I have very much enjoyed Ayinger's other beer varieties. To be fair, I had this brew on tap in the USA (i.e., perhaps not at its freshest), served into a Celebrator 0.3 liter glass.

Appearance was dark-brown with a reddish tinge. A bit more watery than other Doppelbocks I've seen.

Aroma was very good, almost of a chocolate cordial.

Flavor was OK, with notes of port wine and sherry. The aftertaste was almost salty.

Mouthfeel was average at best, with not a lot of body and cloying to the roof of the mouth.

Drinkability was OK for a Doppelbock, but you could definitely taste the alcohol.

Again, to be fair, I had it on tap a long distance from where it was brewed. Perhaps I'll sample it again if I make it back to Bavaria.

Serving type: on-tap

03-11-2007 12:59:05 | More by travelfrog

jamie2dope

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this one at the Moan and Dove in Amherst Mass on tap. Poured a dark brown coloe, with a half ince white heading. Smell was very nutty, with notes of chocolate and nutmeg in the mix. Taste was overwhelmingly filled with nut and chocolate flavors...a bit of caramel in there too. A lot lighter then i had expected, pretty medium in the end. Very nice as far as drinkability, one more would have been great. This is a really awesome beer...still deciding whether I like it better on tap or from the bottle. Also, seems more ale-like then lagerish. Guess it doesn't matter in the end, its still totally worth trying. The ram on the bottle is now on my bunchy of keys. Happy Trails

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2006 05:09:48 | More by jamie2dope

RobertDwight

Iowa

4.63/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I had the privilege of having this lovely brew on tap after the wonderful tour at the Ayinger brewery. It pours a luscious looking dark brown/reddish color, with a lovely head that dissipates and doesn't lace. It has smells and tastes of chocolate, coffee, toffee, molasses, roasted barley, figs, dates, and roasted nuts. It has a heavy mouthfeel which is kind of sryupy. Drinkability is pretty good, but it is kind of heavy so i wouldnt want to many of these in a session. Overall this beer is gorgeous and I will buy it again and again!

Serving type: on-tap

09-16-2006 18:31:06 | More by RobertDwight

mcallister

Ohio

4.72/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Dark and delectable looks. Reminiscent of making homeade caramel on the stove top. Thick and foamy tan head. Great retention with thick lace. Much darker than in the bottle.

Thick with caramel, and layered toffee malt aromas. Sweet milk chocolate also teases the senses.

Double bocks and eis-bocks have been one of my favorite styles of late and this beer on draught proves this theory. Sweet somewhat roasty layers of caramel malt. Toffee coats the tongue on the long 45 second finish. Also the milk chocolate comes into play on the finish. Just spectacular.

Creamy thick mouthfeel could drink till I'm on my ass.

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2006 21:38:50 | More by mcallister

Derek

British Columbia (Canada)

4.58/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this (vom fass) at Ayingers Am Platzl, Munich on March 19, 2006.

A: Ruby black, off-white head, some retention, nice lace.

S: Malt bomb! Bread, caramel & nut.

T: Raisin, prune, chocolate, roasted nut, burnt caramel, slightly spicy (tettnanger hops?), nice bittersweet balance, dry finish.

M: Moderate to full body (surprisingly light for the depth of flavour), moderate carbonation.

D: Very good.

(I've reviewed this before, but not on-tap in Germany).

Serving type: on-tap

04-02-2006 22:50:03 | More by Derek

edchef1850

New York

4.63/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I finally got to tap a 30 liter keg of Celebrator and i couldnt wait to christen the barrel by enjoying the first glass. A rich deep brown when poured into my glass, decent head, tan in color. The aroma is inviting, malty and sweet, the flavor, as usual with this beer, is phenomenal. Big mouth sweet and malty with a nice roasted balance. I love this in the bottle but on tap man im obsessed with it. If it wasnt almost 7% abv i would drink it alnight avery night all winter long. This is pure malty goodness!. If you like this in the bottle seek it out on tap and you wont be dissappointed.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2006 23:22:12 | More by edchef1850

BillyB

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Had on tap at Ludwigs Garten in NYC. The best place other than Germany to try it.
Glass poured a dark brown with amber hues. Very thick, foamy brown head.
Aromas were Roasty, toasty, caramel malts. Chocolate, toffee, figs, plums, raisins and grapes.
Taste was an amazing display of toasted malt and dark fruits and chocolatey, caramelly, toffe-ish decadence.
Very smooth very warm alcohol kick.
Excellent Dopplebock in an excellent German beer bar.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2006 21:20:07 | More by BillyB

Higravity

Michigan

4.58/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

What do you do when you find this bad boy on tap around the corner from your house. That's right you stop by to have a glass in the correct glassware for $3 during happy hour on your way home from work.

Looks like winter's bane robust red-brown darkness with a fluffy boiling fudge cream head. The smell is terrific damn near like boiling wort with lots of over done sweetness without being cloy. Terrific taste if only dampened by the slightly thinish body. While the body makes it more condusive to drinking more it leaves a little to be desired. Whatever, still one of my fav's anyday and I will have some just about everyday until the keg is kicked.

Serving type: on-tap

02-22-2006 13:38:24 | More by Higravity

chOAKbarrell

Maryland

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

I've had a good bit of this beer lately, and as far as I'm concerned, it is the picture-perfect, model doppelbock. There's been a good bit of talk about Sam Adams double bock lately, but Celebrator completely puts Sammy to shame.

The flavor is wonderfully complex. There's a fantastic slightly-burnt quality to this beer. Rich maple syrup tones as well. Chewy and roasty and full bodied. Lovely mocha head and a deep dark body. I found myself craving this out of nowhere in the middle of the day at work today, and I'm going to have to go back to my local bar for more.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2006 03:41:50 | More by chOAKbarrell

cubedbee

Maryland

4.33/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap in a Celebrator glass,this is a dark ruby brown with a finger of off-white head that sticks around for a while, some moderate spotty lacing. Nose is sweet and malty--molasses, raisins, figs, caramel, coffee. Taste is more of the same, sweet malt, raisins, figs, brown sugar, molasses,rum soaked cherries,dark bread, very nice tasting, not cloying at all, just a slight note of alcohol in the finish. Medium/full bodied with a medium carbonatin level, slightly syrupy. This is a really nice doppelbock, excellent drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2006 13:26:01 | More by cubedbee

weeare138

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at the Drafting Room...
Appears a mahogany color with a lush, light tan head. The head refuses to fall and it leaves lots of streaky lacing around the glass.
Smell is of a malt lover's paradise. Fruity cake, caramel, cocoa, raisins, coffee, and anise.
Taste is of the same wonderful aromas that come through along with some mild smokiness and nice German hop additions.
Mouthfeel is smooth, medium bodied, and rich with a perfect amount of carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

01-15-2006 02:06:02 | More by weeare138

Gavage

New Jersey

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

Appearance: the color was dark brown with ruby highlights. 1/2" head fell to a surface foam in a few minutes.

Smell: the aroma was sweet, as caramel and hints of chocolate were detectable.

Taste: The flavor was very malty and softly sweeet. Caramel, chocolate, molasses, and prunes are balanced with a mild bitterness. Alcohol level is barely noticable on the tongue.

Mouthfeel: smooth at the start. The finish was also smooth, and the flavors lingered on the tongue for while after swallowing.

Drinkability: Nicely drinkable, and this is a great version of the style.

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2005 13:12:04 | More by Gavage

SteveO1231

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Looked nice, dark, brown with hi lights of red.Nice thick tan colored head.
Very nice sweet, malty scent.
Very smooth malt flavor accompanied by a sweet fruit and spice flavor.
I enjoyed the richness of the beer.
Pretty filling stuff great beer for "Celebrating" Oktoberfest.

Serving type: on-tap

09-29-2005 21:40:14 | More by SteveO1231

soulfly967

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I had this on tap at the Sharp Edge Creek House. Served in a Celebrator Glass... sweet.

Looked like Pepsi in my glass, but with a nice thick head that fell not long after arriving. The smell was slightly nutty, with hints of caramel and roasty malts and some sort of sweetness that I can't quite put my finger on. The taste was bready, with some, but not much, sweetness and roasted malty goodness. The mouthfeel was creamy, mildly carbonated, and very smooth. This was so good that I had to have another! Excellent beer.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2005 13:48:22 | More by soulfly967

twelvsies

Maine

3.95/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I had heard a lot about this beer and never got around to trying it until last night at the Moan and Dove. Good, but not quite what I expected. Nice poofy head on top of a dark brown ale, with bubbles. Smell was really nice; malty and roasty and with a nice milky character. In the taste that milky creamy characteristic was really the only thing that made it stand out. Yeah, the nice roasted toasted chocolaty coffee taste was nice, but nothing I haven't come across before, in a variety of styles. It seemed like this beer didn't really know if it was a brown ale or a dopplebock or a stout. The mouthfeel didn't match up with the taste, it was a little thin and too carbonated in my opinion. This is tasty for sure, but I was expecting something more along the lines of a real dopplebock, like Aventius or something. But then again, everyone else on the site seems to think this stuff is the cream of the crop, so to each his own.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2005 16:04:39 | More by twelvsies

IceAce

California

3.53/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours pale orange with a thin, wispy collar of foam and a malt-n-vinegar nose.

Entry shows subdued carbonation on the tongue and sweet malt in the back of the mouth. Midtaste features biscuity notes and a nice malt follow-through. Finish has a hop note followed by a slow malt fade.

Mouthfeel is acceptable...and this beer would be best served with an order of Bangers or fish and chips.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2005 15:21:35 | More by IceAce

Jacobob10

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On-tap @ Anam Cara in Brookline, MA.

Wow, what a treat to find this one on-tap! Props to AC.

Served in it's proper Celebrator glass, it was dark-brown colored. The head had great retention all the way through its short lifespan. Nothing too crazy going on with the aroma, just a nice, enjoyable nutty scent. Great nutty, roasted malt flavor as well. Nice and smooth on the palate. Exceptional drinkability. I couldn't believe how fast I was drinking it, but I couldn't stop!

What more can be said about this brew that hasn't been said already? One of the best and deserves its classic status.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2005 00:39:33 | More by Jacobob10

altctrlsdelete

North Carolina

3.53/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

Once upon a time, this would be considered the yardstick against which doppelbocks were to be measured. However, having recently had a Smuttynose S'muttonator, I must say that I was disappointed in having this, despite its advantage of being on draft, versus the Smutty in the bottle. Altogether, what I would expect of a doublebock, albeit less than the Smutty. A great beer, but I want more...

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2005 02:56:28 | More by altctrlsdelete

carln26

Missouri

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

I’d had this beer in St. Louis at Cicero’s over Christmas, and while it was good, experience told me I was drinking from an old, untended keg. When this showed fresh at Anam Cara today, I didn’t hesitate to order, and I was not disappointed.
Deep brown to black color with ruby highlights and a thin tan head. Wonderful roast malt aroma with mild chocolate and caramel hints. A candy lovers dream! The light roast aroma develops into a milder roast flavor with an amazing sweetness and a mild alcohol warming. Nummy! Smooth mouth feel very drinkable despite the alcohol. This is truly the signature beer of this style.

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2005 20:58:19 | More by carln26

crookedhalo

Pennsylvania

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

Pours a deep cola brown color with a nice, light brown colored head. Bready, grainy aromas, some dark caramel and molasses-type aromas with a light fruitiness, too. Mostly a malty assault on the palate, molasses and treacle comes through pretty nicely. There's some hops in there, too, just overpowered with the malt. A little bit vinous and lightly astringent, helping to balance the deep, dark malt assault. I haven't had a Celebrator in about 10 months, and, maybe it's the right time of year now that it's getting chilly, but it is just hitting the spot. It's a slow sipper that seems to develop finer characteristics as it warms. Nice velvety mouthfeel. Some might say this is too roasty for a traditional doppelbock. I think it is quite righteous for the style.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2004 07:51:23 | More by crookedhalo

PorterLambic

Florida

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

This wonderful beer pours out a deep ruby red with a big head that disappears almost completely in 2 minutes.
Smell sweet, malty, with scents of plums and raspberry (or maybe cherry) in the background.
Taste is delicious. Roasted malt, licorice, coffee, chocolate, wonderfully complex.
A smooth, full-bodied brew without any cloying aftertaste or bitterness. Very drinkable, although the perceived alcohol content might slow you down more than the actual ABV.
I like doppelbocks and this is a fine example.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2004 02:49:29 | More by PorterLambic

PatandDavid

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hmm, I don't think I was as bowled over as some by this one, but it certainly wasn't awful or anything. Had at Anam Cara, served in lovely Celebrator glass. Pour was opaque dark amber, I found the aroma to come across as slightly roasted, and slightly plumey. Taste is a bit lean and smooth, I thought, mostly of roasted malt and a bit of alcohol hinting around. I will have to try this again.

Serving type: on-tap

04-20-2004 01:16:39 | More by PatandDavid

waughbrew

Massachusetts

4.97/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Fabulous. Deep chestnut with a small creamy beige head. It is a nice combo of roastiness, smokiness, and nuttiness with low carbonation and nice lagery characteristics. Ultra-smooth yet complex. Very drinkable. Not really like any other doublebock that I have had - less body and caramel, more nutty and that little smokiness. A classic.

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2004 21:26:02 | More by waughbrew

DrunkenPanther

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I should start off by saying that although I had this on tap, it was not the conventional tap. While at an Ayinger brauhaus in Munich, this was available in a large wooden keg that was just tapped with a wooden faucet. Wasnt quite as carbonated as the regular tap version, but was not exactly a cask version either. It was also a tiny creamier tasting than the tap version. Other than that, it was pretty much the same.
Ok, the color was a dark ruby, almost brown, with a tannish colored thick head.
The smell was almost a woody malt scent which was very enjoyable. The aroma lasted well into the drink.
The taste was that of malt and raisin. Maybe a little berry tasting as well. Extremely well balanced.
The mouthfeel was typical of the doppelbocks but maybe a bit more mellow. Very full and inviting. It is a beer that you dont mind holding in your mouth a bit longer to get a bit more taste.
This is a very drinkable beer. Being not as strong as some of the other doppels, it doesnt give you that boozy aftertaste, nor does it have you drunk insanely fast.

Serving type: cask

04-08-2004 13:34:10 | More by DrunkenPanther

Bierguy5

Ohio

4/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

From the tap this pours a very deep dark brown ruby red color. Wonderful off-white head. Great thing about it was that it is being served to me in proper glass. Smells of dark bread. Tastes like a very dark, roasted almost burnt malt, however it is so smooth. How can this be? Looking at it you would expect bitter and harsh, but this is not true. Good mouthfeel. This is a very good beer, but it really isn't my style. I can and will respect this for what it is, a great dopplebock. I couldn't drink many of these, but if it is on tap, I am compelled to have one, if nothing else, than for the glass.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2004 15:29:08 | More by Bierguy5