Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying

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

MickeyD

Kansas

4.05/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I poured from an 11.2 oz bottle into a clean pint glass.

Appearance: poured dark and thick with a two plus finger width of head however it dissipates fairly quickly, very dark red, black mostly in the glass when held to the light. No lacing to speak of.

Smell: good balance of hops and malt smells, towards the middle a more floral spice is noted.

Taste: Dark roasted notes with heavy and rich nutty malt taste. Hops are very subdued.

Mouth feel: somewhat thin compared to the look at the poor. Dark roasted caramel almost burnt.

Overall: I must say this is a great beer. The “double” makes it stout like while still retaining the caramel malt taste. I like to have this beer with a big filet and pan sauce.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 20:39:07 | More by MickeyD

justintcoons

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

330ml bottle poured into a pilsner glass.

Appearance
Deep chestnut brown with red highlight. Has 2 fingers of off-white head with moderate carbonation.

Nose
Toast, brown sugar, plum and grape.

Taste
Overripe plum, red grape and toasted pie crust. Brown sugar, toasted bread and caramel. Tiny hints of blueberry.

Mouthfeel
Full bodied, smooth and silky.

Overall
Balanced to perfection. This is the Doppelbock to end all Doppelbocks.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 03:33:16 | More by justintcoons

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Stone pint.

A- pours a dark brown with a 1 finger tan head. Some small bubbles cling to the glass.

S- sweet dark fruits, toffee, brown sugar, and slight roast.

T- toasted malts, brown sugar, sweet dark fruits, toffee, and faint coffee.

M- medium body and carbonation. Very smooth and easy drinking beer.

O- very good doppelbock, nice dark fruits and sweet malts. I could drink a 4 pack of this fairly easy over a couple hours.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2013 03:41:24 | More by kawilliams81

Dazfish

Texas

4.55/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Appearance:- Dark brown with ruby highlights; initial off-white head with nice lacing throughout tasting.

Smell:- Big malt waft from the pour filled with molasses, toast, slight dark fruit - prune, alcohol, and gentle hop spice.

Taste:- Malt dominates throughout with hop bitterness present but in a strictly supporting role. Lots of molasses/dark sugar, slight oily coffee, and prune. Smooth and warm with a slight smoke finish.

Mouth:- Medium-full body with medium carbonation. Warm and smooth.

Overall:- Delicious beer; complex and malty. Aromas and flavors work so well together. Bitterness is present to round off the big malt flavor. Nice and smooth; very good stuff.

I was really impressed with this beer, not just from a style aspect but from the taste of the beer itself. I would seek this one out. Yum.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 06:44:57 | More by Dazfish

JuicesFlowing

Kansas

4.19/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a balloon glass.

Look: dark mahogany, cream colored head, minimal lacing.

Aroma: Malts, brown sugar, toffee.

Taste: Toffee, brown sugar, chocolate, grains.

Mouthfeel: Medium weight.

Overall: Delightful beer, and I'll keep the little plastic souvenir.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 21:47:38 | More by JuicesFlowing

jmendels

Michigan

4.89/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

By far, my favorite beer. It pours a dark brownish-red and smells of malt, chocolate, and raisin. The finish is smooth and malty, a tad chewy, and flavorful. This beer requires several sips to appreciate all the flavors. It's quite impressive how much Germans can do with four ingredients and this beer is testament to the strength of the Reinheitsgebot.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 00:45:34 | More by jmendels

BierStein711

Illinois

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

So, I've made it to the big leagues....

Bottle poured into chalice, three finger golden brown head.

Smells of chocolate, malt, and coffee. As the night continued, and the brew warmed, more and more of its character became present.

Tastes of chocolate, coffee, grain, and alcohol!

Mouthfeel: Thick, like a bock should be.

Overall, this is a beer that will warm you up on a winter's night. This beer's dark brown body screams warmth and comfort. Let the two billy goats on the label show you a beer to be proud of, better yet...

Let them show you a celebration.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 05:08:44 | More by BierStein711

dertyd

California

3.75/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12oz bottle to a pint glass

A:poured a dark black color with hints of red almoast no head and no lacein

S: smells like a dark choclate cake with hints of dark fruit,verry strong malt smell

T:sweet choclate malts with a nice balance verry crisp and refreshing

M: nice and sweet with a real nice crispness

Overall: a realy good brew to me its like a desert in a glass its kinda sweet with hints of choclate I realy like this as a night cap

Live life drink beer!!!:-)

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 05:01:09 | More by dertyd

WilliamAlbrecht

Texas

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

Ayinger's Celebrator is definitely a fantastic brew. I must admit, I love doppelbocks. This is a TRUE bock. Definitely tasty, not too heavy, and great to behold!

Appearance: Poured into a Ayinger Celebrator 'chalice' and certainly looks great. Pours a darkish brown/bordering on black like color. One and a half fingers of nice, delicious, puffy, creamy head!

Smell: Wow. Smells great. I smell raisins, figs(for sure!), toffee, and perhaps vanilla in there as well!

Taste: A very very rich flavor. This is one of the best doppelbocks around. I must admit that I have yet to encounter a doppelbock that can stand toe to toe with the original, Paulaner's Salvator, but this is a fine brew in its own right. The taste is incredible and the carbonation is not too heavy..in fact, it's not heavy at all! No bitter aftertaste in the least bit!

Mouthfeel: Wow..very creamy, very full bodied!

Overall this is a fantastic doppelbock. I would recommend anyone that loves quality beer to get a hold of a "four pack" of these. Whereas they are rather pricey..it is TOTALLY worth it.

Nice touch on the goat(bock) on the bottle. Save them! They look great!

Celebrator is a great winter time beer. It goes great with a t bone steak, with a sirloin steak, round cut steak..in fact, it goes great with meat period! I would also recommend having a few as a dessert. Heavy on taste and quality, definitely worth a purchase!

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 03:38:00 | More by WilliamAlbrecht

writerLJBerg

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle from Belmont Station.

A: Aggressive pour yields a cola type head with the fizzle to match. head dies immediately. Very dark brown with an edge of purple. Some legs.

N: Biscuit and bread. Some caramel and toffee blend through the middle. Sweet pecan and toasted tobacco. Lots of clove. Bread in a glass.

T: Tobacco, leather, toffee, caramel, and rye bread. Has a very deep base. Lots of the barley, and a nice sweetness. Earth and dirt balance the sugars. Clove and nutmeg. Lots of flavors for a 6.7% beer. M: Clean and filling. I think we can all agree this is a definition of the style. O: What can I say that hasn’t been said by more experienced reviewers? The classic everyone ought to regularly appreciate.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 16:49:43 | More by writerLJBerg

superspak

Michigan

4.23/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

330 ml bottle into tulip glass, no bottle dating. Pours crystal clear very dark reddish brown color with a nice 2 finger fluffy khaki head with fantastic retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Nice spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of caramel, raisin, toast, toffee, molasses, apple, dark bread, cocoa, light roast, light nuttiness, and light floral. Damn nice aromas with great balance and complexity of malty notes and light fruity esters. Taste of caramel, toast, toffee, raisin, molasses, apple, dark bread, cocoa, roasted malt, light nuttiness, and light smoke. Lingering notes of caramel, toffee, molasses, dark bread, toast, raisin, apple, roasted malt, cocoa, and light smoke on the finish for a good bit. Excellent flavor balance and complexity of robust malty flavors and light fruity esters; with zero cloying sweetness present after the finish. Medium carbonation and body; with a creamy and fairly slick mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a highly excellent doppelbock! Great balance and complexity of robust malt flavors; and extremely smooth to drink. A highly enjoyable offering as expected.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 04:52:48 | More by superspak

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.08/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

this is the essential doppelbock as far as I am concerned. it is true as true can be to the style, and is downright delicious. flawlessly made. the pours is a rich mahogany to molasses color with a foamy khaki head a few fingers tall, excellent retention. looks like a lot of body and a lot of malt character, judging by looks alone. the nose is really heavy malt, some roast, some caramel, some dessert or bread pudding type of aromas, and more alcohol than you would think at only 6.7% abv. the flavor is really heavy, dark wheat, heavy toasted barley, and mineral rich water are evident. the yeast is also characteristically german, bready and drenched in dark fruit. there is a peculiar weight to this that makes it wholly satisfying but may reduce drinkability to a certain degree. its rich and smooth, and the carbonation is slight. its a perfect early spring beer to me, and one that would work well with grilled meat, a peppery arugula salad, or even fresh baked cookies. its not for everyone, but if you like the style, this is the go!

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 19:05:05 | More by StonedTrippin

tectactoe

Michigan

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

Pours a color close to inky black at first, but shows some deep ruby red clarity when held up to the light. A big, creamy, light-tan head tops this one off - nice retention, however not much lace is left behind. Nose is powerful, right from the start. Caramel malts take center stage with some sweet, brown sugar heavy in the background. Light fruits also help contribute to the sweet smelling aroma - raisins, plums - all covered in molasses. Some grains help dry things out a little bit and stop the aroma from being too overpowered with sweetness.

Up front, the alcohol is noticeable, especially considering the brew is only 6.7% ABV, but it's far from off-putting. It meshes with the dark fruits to give almost a wine-like presence and sweetness. This beer is nearly as sweet as it smells - molasses, syrup, deep black licorice, and a faint spice, somewhat reminiscent of anise. Rustic, dry cocoa flavors hide in the back, but are definitely there. Roasted malts? A little. But it tastes like a greater abundance of caramel malts were used - this brew is very caramely and sweet. Some earthy undertones trace the outline for this beer, with some herbal hop aromas, slightly tea-like on the tail end. Aftertaste is a fading, earthy caramel sweetness with a hint of dry bitterness. Medium bodied, light creaminess to it on the palate, medium amount of carbonation.

Very robust and full-flavored brew. Haven't had many Doppelbocks, but this one was certainly tasty. Packed with intense malt and sweetness without being cloying - very impressive.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 00:08:32 | More by tectactoe

Efay

Illinois

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

I've heard from many people that this beer was excellent, but I kinda held off of it for awhile. Today I saw it in stock at the store and decided to give it a try. Had my tries of bocks but never had a doppelbock.

A- Lot's of carbonation and lots of foam. This foam is extremely creamy, and is a pale brown color. The body is almost pitch black, but some light passes through and you can see a hue of dark brown. Lots of thick lacing.

S- Subtle roasted malts, with some dark chocolate. Smells very sweet. Maybe a hint of dried fruit. This smells aren't the strong point in this brew. Every thing is very subtle.

T- Roasted bitter malts and chocolate are nice and appropriate.Some burnt sugar that definitely makes this an after meal must.

M- Medium bodied and light amounts of carbonation. This is highly drinkable and goes down extremely smooth.

O- Even though its lacking in smells, the taste and easy drinkability make up for it and make up for where it lacks. This is much like a porter but different at the same time, minus the higher drinkablity that comes from this doppelbock. I definitely enjoy this more than a typical porter though.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 05:30:04 | More by Efay

WesM63

Ohio

4.41/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a

A: Pours a dark brown that is lightly translucent with some light coming thru in a reddish color. A nice 2finger light mocha head. Moderate retention and lacing.

S: Smells of dark fruits, some toffee, caramel, molasses and a hint of banana bread.

T: Dark fruits (rasins), molasses, malt sweetness, and a hint of banana bread.

M: Medium body and carbonation. Finishes very crisp.

O: Overall, this is an exceptional dopplebock. Highly drinkable, delicious beer. It is the standard to which all dopplebocks should be brewed too.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 05:13:04 | More by WesM63

KYGunner

Kentucky

4.15/5  rDev -5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Dark brown to black with a ruby irredescence this Doppelbock presents itself quite elegantly. The head was quite fizzy and fleeting, though.

The scent is of raisin and molasses, sweet and dry. Theres a Hint of malt in the back but the molasses wins out.

This is smooth on the tongue, smoky sweet and dry. There's a nice burnt malt flavor but offset by a sweet prune or raisin. The burnt blends well with the sweet and creates a tasty well balanced bock.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 22:34:49 | More by KYGunner

sevenarts

New York

4.03/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Dark brown, somewhat transparent when held up to light, with a slight ruby tinge. Modest tan head, not much retention and no lacing.

S: Bittersweet malts, soy sauce, sugar.

T/M: Sweet, smooth malty goodness. Some caramel along with that distinctive soy sauce-like flavor. Sweet and sugary up front, followed by some dark roasty notes and a lingering bitterness on the followthrough. Very sweet and malty with just enough edge to make it interesting. Goes down easy and really tasty.

O: This is my first doppelbock and it seems to be the staple of the style, and it definitely lives up to its rep. A really good and interesting beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 23:01:46 | More by sevenarts

coreyfmcdonald

Georgia

3.99/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75

330ml bottle into a snifter

A: Pours a very dark amber/brown color with two fingers of dense off white head. Retention and lacing are superb.

S: Roast, love, prunes, and a hint of banana. Rather mild for the style. As the beer warms, prunes come out more and more.

T: Similar to the aroma. Roast is interestingly quite strong, particularly for a style it's not really expected in. Bready malts are also quite strong - this reminds me of having a rye bread. Raisins and clove come out behind the roast and breadiness, though they are mild.

M: Medium to thick mouthfeel with creamy carbonation.

O: Not exactly what I've come to expect for a Doppelbock, but I really enjoyed this beer. It has a distinct roastiness and breadiness that is quite nice, but I could have used more fruitiness and caramel flavors. I also en

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2013 16:05:37 | More by coreyfmcdonald

thehyperduck

Ontario (Canada)

4.73/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

330 mL bottle from the LCBO; no packaging/best before date. This is one of those beers that I've basically never heard anything bad about, ever - it's been on my 'must try' list for a while, and I'm glad to finally scratch it off that one. I must point out that I haven't had a lot of doppelbocks, and the few that I have tried didn't really impress me that much... but maybe this one will turn out to be the brew that changes my outlook on the style. Poured into a mug.

Pours a deep brownish-black colour; looks nearly opaque, but under the light I can make out some crimson tinges and the translucency of the brew. Topped with two fingers of puffy, creamy, off white-coloured head that wilts slowly over the next few minutes, leaving behind a smooth, dense cap about 1/2 a cm thick, and smears of lacing on the sides. The aroma is pleasing and intensely malty, with hints of raisins, butterscotch, figs, fruitcake, brown sugar and sweet potatoes. I might be imagining the smoky notes, but with or without them the bouquet is rich and enticing.

And that richness carries over into the flavours, as this is one of the tastiest dark lagers I have had in my many years on BA. Some light brown sugar or molasses sweetness is quickly overpowered by figs and raisins, some toasted, biscuity malts, with the smooth finish being dominated by bittersweet notes of baker's chocolate and a pleasant demerara sugar sweetness. The aftertaste is mostly lingering roast and a weak hint of booze. On the heftier side of medium-bodied, with mild carbonation that gently prickles the tongue. The mouthfeel is silky-smooth, and even though it's extremely easy to drink this stuff, the small sample means I'd rather savour what precious little I have.

Final Grade: 4.73, a nearly flawless A+. Ayinger Celebrator was just what I needed - a doppelbock to convince me that I don't hate doppelbocks. I have trouble envisioning a more finely-crafted bock than Celebrator - it really is the gold standard; the doppelbock that other doppelbocks should aspire to be like, and an amazingly drinkable strong lager that I will definitely pick up again at some point. Highly recommended to newbies as an introductory bock, and something worth stocking up on if it isn't always available in your area.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2013 23:36:08 | More by thehyperduck

axeman9182

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

11.2 oz bottle, allowed to warm before being poured into my Brooklyn Brewery tulip.

Celebrator pours a bit short of solid black, as a good amount of ruby highlights are easily appreciable. About a finger and a half of khaki colored foam crowns the beer and shows a little bit of endurance. Lacing leaves something to be desired though. The nose is comprised of a very nice blend of biscuit and toffee aromas. The flavor profile has a bit more depth, as a light dusting of chocolate serves as a bridge from the toasty bread to caramel centerpieces, and a subtle dried fig note appears during the finish. If at least of those secondary characteristics was a bit more developed, everything would be just about perfect. The body is picturesque, full and sturdy, while remaining as far away from viscous as a sub 7% ABV beer should. Carbonation is nicely understated. It's easy to see why Ayinger's Celebrator is considered a classic version of the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 06:14:16 | More by axeman9182

zander4dawin

Texas

4.15/5  rDev -5%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A master piece of its style. Pours a solid dark brown with a tan head. Flavors of raisin, caramel with a buttery mouthfeel. Feels full bodied. Rich and fruity. A classic beer that is a must try for anyone. Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock is a testimeant that a well crafted beer can be enjoyed for ages.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 17:05:38 | More by zander4dawin

CwrwAmByth

United Kingdom (Wales)

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

Poured from a 330ml bottle into a goblet glass.

Pours a very dark red colour, going into black with a small but decent head.

Smells quite rich and dark, fruity almost like port.

Taste reflects the smell mostly, though its a bit darker, with a hint of yeast and a crisp, clean finish. Nice warming booze taste too.

Overall, quite a tasty beer. Far too drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 20:22:04 | More by CwrwAmByth