Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying

DerKaiser

California

4.13/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Okay, finally time to review Celebrator. It pours just a shade off black with a fluffy tan head. A really dark doppelbock. The scent is really heavenly, with strong notes of toffee and burnt caramel.

The flavor profile is almost identical to the scent. Smooth toffee flavor with caramel as well. Roasted chewy malt upfront and Ripe green apples in the undertones. Ever so slight bitterness in the finish balances out the sweet toffee flavors. A superbly balanced beer, and quite complex as well.

I'm probably in the overwhelming minority on this, but if confronted with the choice, I'd take Paulaner's Salvator Doppelbock over the Celebrator. Nevertheless, Celebrator is clearly one of the finer beers made. It's wonderfully crafted and a must try for anyone that enjoys quality beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2002 18:48:56 | More by DerKaiser

BeerManDan

California

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

When poured it was a very dark brown with very little foam. The first impression I got when smelling this beer was of malts, prunes and caramel. The taste was the same and the aroma with the addition of it being sort of a sweet thick and creamy. The only set back was after a short time the flavor on the palate when north and the well balanced bitterness lingered. Still one of my favorite Doppelbocks.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2002 14:06:03 | More by BeerManDan

Ueberales

Tennessee

4.9/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

An outstanding beer that defines the dopplebock style. Powerful malty nose with a crystal clear deep red appearance. No hop aroma to speak of, although there is sufficient bittering hops to balance perfectly the malt bill. Feels smooth as silk, but the high alcohol and fullness definitely make this a beer for sipping and savoring instead of the centerpiece of a drinking session.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2002 18:01:05 | More by Ueberales

ipogios

Cyprus

4.9/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours deep brown colour topped by a beautiful thick head. The aroma of the beer is chocolate, coffee and caramel hints. The taste of this fine doppelbock is malty and moderate caramel flavour. Celebrator Doppelbock, in my opinion, is the FINEST German Doppelbock Style beer

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2002 02:15:36 | More by ipogios

Jason

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

11.2 oz brown bottle with a plastic trinket goat tied around the neck. No freshness date, not to worry as this brew has a longer shelf life that normal beers.

Appearance: Dark and intense looking of a mahogany colour, a big frothy tan head lays on top that literally sticks around as long as the beer is there.

Smell: Whiffs of mild molasses and faint caramel entanlge with a dark bready aroma. Slight spicy alcohol, herbal hop and light toasted malt as well.

Taste: Huge chewy malt of light molasses and toasted bread with a sharp twang of an even hop bitterness and spicy alcohol. Some dried fruit comes through as well as some hop leaf flavour. Does not dry much in the end ... lots of residual sugars, lingering dark sugars and fading grain in the end.

Mouthfeel: Incredibly smooth and creamy the modest carbonation after a sturdy pouring struggles to break free from this thick bodied brew.

Drinkability & Notes: This is the mother of all Doppelbocks ... nearly perfection in a bottle. Mellow yet towering, humbly complex and just a down right beautiful brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2002 14:05:35 | More by Jason

doho95fu

California

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

The color is deep brown and the head is thick and tan. The beer smells of outmeal, brown sugar, coffee and caramel. The taste is malty with a caramel flavor. The beer is very smooth, drinkable but with a slight aftertaste of alcohol.

I do not have a tremendous amount of experience with this style of beer, but this must be a great example of one.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2002 13:46:53 | More by doho95fu

maxpower

Missouri

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Dark brown-black color, creamy tan head, roasty chocolate aroma, creamy silky mouthfeel, soft on the palate. Tastes of caremel, chocolate and toffe, this is the standard for great dopplebocks, none better.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2002 05:28:48 | More by maxpower

Popsinc

Ontario (Canada)

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

A classic of it's style. Deep and rich in colour. Hints of chocolate & roasted oates. A dry, warm finish, this beer is simply the perfect cold weather beer. I wouldn't go through a winter without it.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2002 13:09:16 | More by Popsinc

Kwak

New Jersey

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

Celebrator Doppelbock
The mocha head had a toffieish malt flavor, it came on strong and stayed their for a
while.
Nice strong body a little oily and almost thick with a bite of spices and an almost warming effect.
The aftertaste was verry dry with a big malty taste

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2002 17:33:25 | More by Kwak

Viking

Indiana

4.53/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

It's easy to understand why this is the #1 beer on BA (as of 05Nov02). This is one outstanding doppel! Pours to a deep dark reddish-brown, with a thick tan head that I've rarely seen on a lager-style beer. Excellent head retention. Aroma of rich sweet malt, with hints of raisin and toffee, with some faint chocolate notes thrown in for good measure. Rich sweet malty taste, full of toffee and hints of chocolate and raisin. Smooth, chewey, creamy mouthfeel. This beer, truly, is a meal in and of itself!

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2002 14:58:11 | More by Viking

mjohn27603

Michigan

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

First, I made sure I bought the single with the goat charm bracelet around the neck. This is like getting a Cracker Jack toy in a beer. Very dark brown in appearance, I couldn't see through the glass when I held it up to the light. Very sweet in aroma reminds me of molasses or brown sugar. First sip - sweet! sweet! Toffee, coffee, molasses. The mouthfeel of mercury (I'm guessing because I've never drank mercury!). I'm picking up a little bit of hops. This is good but I couldn't have more than one or two. Yummy. A bit of roasted aftertaste.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2002 22:04:44 | More by mjohn27603

aaronh

Pennsylvania

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

Deep mahongany, almost black beer that pours with a thick head the color of wet sand. The head retention is great on this beer, and it leaves a very pleasant lace on the glass. The aroma is complex and sweet. Raisin and chocolate scents are most pronounced. The taste is also nicely complex, with malt, bittersweet chocolate and a thick, fruity sweetness predominating. There is a nice bitterness on the finish. The mouthfeel is very smooth, and it coats the tongue nicely. I only purchased one, but I could easily drink a couple. It tastes so good that it is tough to be patient and savor this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2002 16:57:04 | More by aaronh

Jon

Illinois

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

Overrated? I think not. Celebrator pours a deep, dark ruby color with a massive tan head. Leaves nice lace all the way down the glass. The nose is quite diverse with notes of raisins, chocolate, alcohol and a hint of coffee. Notes of sweet maltiness, caramel, chocolate and a nutty flavor reign in the taste department. Mouthfeel is incredibly smooth and creamy. Drinkability is up there with the best of them, as well. A magnificent, world-class beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2002 22:36:45 | More by Jon

hobbes2112

Texas

4.85/5  rDev +11%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

After looking at the reviews for weeks, and then the $13.99 price tag for 6 12oz. bottles....I finally tried this wonderful creation. Plain and simple, this is beer at its best. I don't know all the fancy terms...but people before me have described this beer well. Buy this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2002 18:52:19 | More by hobbes2112

jackndan

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Celebrator Doppelbock: In a bottle, with a small plastic goat hanging from the neck. Deep ruby/black color, with good clarity when held up to the light. The head was thick and rich, with a deep chocolate brown color. The aroma is strong, of cocoa, and raisons. The taste is rich and very nice, and to my taste, seems like a mix of raisons and sweet chocolates. There was a spicy hop bite, which balances the strong malt tastes. There is a nice chocolate richness in the aftertaste, which makes this a great after dinner beer. Some alcohol warmth. I enjoyed this beer very much, but I am a little taken aback that this fine beer rests at number one. Quite frankly, it wasn’t the best beer I had this weekend.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2002 20:00:50 | More by jackndan

MaineBeerMan

Maine

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

Super dark brown color with a big brownish head, held to light reveals ruby red color. Head settled to a ring that left surprisingly little lace.
Unbelievable aroma with lots of caramel maltiness, raisins, figs and molasses smells. One of the best smelling beers I have ever tried.
Big malt flavor, plenty of toasty caramel sweetness, some dark chocolate and light notes of raisins and fig, all balanced out with a nice hop bitterness. Big mouthfeel that matches the flavor, this is a very rich beer that I don't think I could drink a lot of at once.
Finishes rather dry, but even at the end some of the malt sweetness comes through.
A great beer, and I can see why it's currently #1 although it's not my personal ideal beer. This would be a great dessert beer, but it seemed too rich (and too expensive) for everyday drinking.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2002 13:43:56 | More by MaineBeerMan

boblinneman

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I was expecting a sweeter brew while I watched the cascade. Great head! Smell was apparent immediately, although rather one dimentional. Loved the hoppy flavor that followed the initial malty/caramelness. Silky smooth with crispy carbonation. Very drinkable O very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2002 15:25:31 | More by boblinneman

hyuga

North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Very dark brown with a nice tan head topping it off. The head subsides to a thin ring after a while. Huge sweet raisin and plum aroma with a hint of spiciness. Kind of bready. Fig is also present with the other fruits. A taste brings even more pleasure. Hops are noticeable, but stand back and let the malt rush in, which is, again, very sweet and spicy. Massive caramel, slightly toasted, and subtle hopping. Spicy dried fruit in the middle, reminds me a bit of a dubbel. Nice full body. Smooth yet prickly mouthfeel. A bit more than mildly acidic. A slightly metallic flavor in the background, but that fades as it warms. A grain-malty, but surprisingly dry finish. This doppelbock is spicier than its competitors, which I believe is one of the things that makes it better than a lot of them. An excellent brew, one of the kings of its style.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2002 01:01:15 | More by hyuga

mzwolinski

California

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

What a huge beer. This is what to give your friends if they think lagers are for sissies.

The beer is black, with just a hint of ruby when backlit. Thick, tan, creamy head.

Wonderful aroma -- reminiscent of bitter dark chocolate, with hints of toffee and fruit -- prunes and fig.

This is a very full-bodied beer. Heavy, sweet malty flavor with more fruit esters and a hint of baked bread. The finish is superb -- slightly hoppy and dry, with a nice aftertaste from the residual sugars.

Really a terrific beer. Best bock I've ever had. The bottle even comes with a little goat toy for the kids. Something for everyone!

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2002 20:20:09 | More by mzwolinski

cokes

Wisconsin

4.53/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

$16.00 per six pack. I'd buy it again tomorrow.
Pours as deep a ruby-orange as possible. Basically black. Large tan head sit royally atop. Glorious.
Heavy bready and dark fruit aromas. Akin to toasted raisins.
Taste starts off somewhat roasted. Almost stout-like. This instantly subsides with the incoming fruity brigade. Figs, grapes, raisins, plums...it is all here. Quite complex. Turns more bready towards the middle, with fresh-baked sweet bread notes. Finish is dried out with a touch of spicy hops...extremely subtle, but very effective.
Moderately thick in the mouth. Not as huge as some, but quite solid, and oh-so-smooth.
Everything besides the price points to drinking this in bulk.
Go ahead and treat yourself to some euphoria.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2002 21:26:16 | More by cokes

beernut7

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I drained the local liquor store of every other brand and style of beer so I figured I'g give this brew a swing and see what the hype was all about. Pours a deep black with a foamy thick tan head. Aromas of bready and dark German malts. Light chocolate and heavy sweet malt is the initial flavor with a clean syrupy finish. I am not usually a big fan of the style and this bock doesn't really change my opinion. Not bad, but not impressive for the hefty price tag.

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2002 16:45:58 | More by beernut7

TheLongBeachBum

California

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

Saw the reviews so I had to try this. WOW!!!!. It cost me $2.20 a bottle, so I only got One to try. The Label itself is enough to justify the purchase. Poured with a huge browny-fluffy head full of large bubbles. Took a second or two to settle down, but kepts its head to the end. Huge nose, superb malty aromas that reminded me of the air outside when the local Brewery back in England were brewing their Stout. Caramel, small hint of dark chocolate, with soft smooth rounded malty flavors that are very morish. Very dark brown colour with some lucidity. Really full-bodied, with almost a rich toffee, syrupy aftertaste that lasts. This is a very good dark beer, with a deserved reputation. I am getting a 6-pack next time, blow the cost !.
AWESOME !!!!

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2002 21:39:29 | More by TheLongBeachBum

Dogbrick

Ohio

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

Somehow I managed to find this beer on draught here in Columbus (at the Refectory). There simply cannot be a beer that I will enjoy more than this.

Served at a perfect temperature. Unbelievably easy to drink, with a light smooth malty flavor that was not too sweet. Balanced perfectly by the alcohol ratio. Just a whisper of chocolate in the aroma and flavor as well. Very dark with a medium thick beige head that diminished rather quickly, but who cares, because it was between me and this amazing beer. Now I am working on getting the Celebrator glasses from the restaurant after the beer is out of rotation.

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2002 08:28:04 | More by Dogbrick

allboutbierge

Austria

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is the ambrosia of the gods. I picture myself sitting on Mt. Olympus with Zeus himself after a long day's work. If this beer was a woman, I would consume it like I desire Aphrodite. It is filling, while at the same time satisfying every sense of taste one possesses. While one might desire another, the filling qualities of this brew makes the second one their last.


5KD approved.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2002 20:23:20 | More by allboutbierge

beerguy101

California

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

Dark brown color, large head.. Very pronounced sweet malts. Rich very full taste, expansive. Full bodied. Mouthfeel is smooth, creamy and rich. Hop taste is very subtle, nicely offsets the intense malts. Nearly syrupy. Finish is dry. Aftertaste is malty and rich. Exceptional. Sensational beer. Hall of Fame!!

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2002 17:07:05 | More by beerguy101