Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying

QXSTER1

Pennsylvania

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

I sought this out due to it's superlative reviews on the site and wasn't disappointed. Chewy is an adjective that always escaped me but this beer brought the sensation home. Not as sweet as I imagined it would be, but perfectly balanced and full-bodied. Had this on tap and can't wait for the next one!

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2002 09:23:26 | More by QXSTER1

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

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

moulefrite

Massachusetts

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

Man-O-Shevitz this beer is deeeelicious! I'm skipping dinner as I'm having it now! No kiddding! The color of this brew is subtley dark, complex in color with orange, red and deep brown intermingling. Aromatics are heavenly and hint at the best chocolate-bitter in the most elegant fashion. The taste is all over the place-black licorice, Bittersweet chocolate, mocha, sweet malt, espresso-this is a meal. A highly satisfying drink that I can honestly say rates up there with some of the best things ever to slip across my tongue. It is good to be alive! I'll have another, turn on some Red Garland, and call it a night. Wow!! You have to go find this beer tonight!

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2003 01:37:24 | More by moulefrite

BadBadger

New York

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

An absolutely amazing doppelbock. Actually an amazing beer of any style. Pours a very deep and dark color-I guess mahogany would be the descriptor. Nearly opaque. Nice brown head stays present all the way done. Smells great. Tastes malty, sweet. Sweetness is not overwhelming. There is something dancing on the taste buds? Very pleasurable.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2004 02:36:03 | More by BadBadger

Domingo

Colorado

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

Quite possibly my favorite overall beer.
I tried it about a year ago at Old Chicago and couldn't recall the name of it...until I saw some bottles with the trademark plastic goats hanging around the neck.
Looks dark...not quite murky, but like a cola but still very clean.
When you pour it, the head will stick around until it's finished.
Super-malty...unmatched in this regard, actually. I've tried hundreds of beers and I still haven't found a maltier brew than this one. I'd describe it as having a chocolate flavor, but with raisin and date highlights.
I can't say enough good things about this brew.
If you're a fan of doppelbocks or even just darker brews in general, this is a must have.

Edit:
After drinking this brew many many more times, I have to say that this brew holds up to a changing palate amazingly well. I enjoy it now as much as the time when I first tried it...perhaps even more. While I've had 15-20 other doppelbocks that are all wonderful, only the Andechs and Korbinian can keep pace with Celebrator. The chocolate/raisin profile is unique and simply amazing. I think this beer is an easy candidate for the best overall in the world.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2005 22:03:37 | More by Domingo

Manosbeeroffate

Maine

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

Jesus H Christ I love this stuff, I'm not sure how well I can really describe how much I love this stuff, but here we go. Pours extremly dark brown, almost like a porter. Smells a bit malt syrupy, but good. Taste is...wow!! Malt, cocoa, some mild dried fruit, slightly bitter but again of cocoa. Mouthfeel is nice. Drinkability is excellent. Though you want to sip on this i can go for more again and again. The best I have had so far.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2006 02:29:17 | More by Manosbeeroffate

jwc215

New Jersey

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

Comes with a cool plastic goat around the neck of the bottle and a highly decorative label.
Poured into a Celebrator glass.
Poured brown with ruby highlights, especially when held to the light. The creamy, slightly off-white two finger head slowly went to half the original size and remained for the long lasting drink.
The smell was a blanced mix of chocolate, caramel, and hints of rich coffee. There was a slight fruity aroma in the background that enhanced the delicious aroma.
The taste was superb. It was layers of rich, dark chocolate, robust coffee and caramel. As the drink slowly progressed, flavors of berry-like fruits came through to form an extremely well-balanced taste.
It was rich and creamy in the mouth. It reminded me of eating a rich chocolate cake with raspberry or strawberry filling.
If it weren't so rich/filling after a while (and not inexpensive) I would want to continue drinking these. It's one of my all-time favorites. Heaven in a bottle. Exceptionally smooth and delicious!

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2006 18:15:21 | More by jwc215

MaltyGoodness

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

11.2oz bottle

Pours a deep chestnut brown with a small tan head that recedes to the side of the glass. Mild lacing on the glass.

Aroma is rich and caramel malty with the scent of sweet molasses and a lightly toasted nuttiness. There are also some light bready and fruity smells dancing about. Smells perfect.

Tastes just like it smells. Amazingly complex blend of rich caramel maltiness with a hint of sweet molasses. Woven in are a delicious toasted nutty flavor and mild bready and fruity flavors.

Meduim body, light carbonation.

This is a truly amazing beer. Extremely savory and insanely drinkable. You will never find a better dopplebock nor will you find many better beers - period.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2006 03:08:10 | More by MaltyGoodness

goindownsouth

South Carolina

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

Quite possible sex in a bottle, but I shall dive deeper...

Dark and rich in its appearance, a little hint of cherry red mixed in for good measure. Good head retention from the frothy pillow atop this glorious brew. Aromas are rich and pleasing with molasses, roasted malty goodness, and a nice shot of hoppiness. Absolutely envelopes the palate in luscious goodness. Huge chewy malt action with the molasses sweetness and a touch of faint alcohol makes this one very balanced brew. Hints of rich cherry and other fruits.

Perhaps as good as it gets with regard to imported Biers. This is the best of the best when it comes to this style. Smooth, luscious, yet full of aromas and flavors without being overpowering. The closest thing to perfection in a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2007 15:09:55 | More by goindownsouth

umtox

Pennsylvania

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

A: Big head, with caramel colored bubbles around the edge of the glass, decent retention. Black in color at a distance, but upon closer inspection a deep very dark brow, with a hint of tawny and inviting bubbles.

S: Toasted malt, roasted nuts, and revealing spice.

T: Velvety and highly textured. Big malt flavor with developing roasted nuts, spice, and hint of molasses.

M: Rolls onto the palate with a creamy texture.

D: Very good for a beer with a flavor this big.

A king among doppelbocks. I would take abath in this if I could afford it!

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2008 01:09:08 | More by umtox

cagocubs

Illinois

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

I love doppelbocks and finally got around to trying Ayinger's Celebrator. It was phenomenal.

A: Dark brown with slight amber highlights when held to light. Cream-coloured head dissappeared shortly after pour.

S: Sweet smell.

T: Insanely good. Malt flavor accompanied by smoky/toasty flavor. Hints of sweet flavor in aftertaste.

M: Smooth and full.

D: Goes down smoothly and easy to drink. I enjoyed taking it slow with this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2009 18:11:09 | More by cagocubs

Schwarzwald

Tennessee

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

This is one easy drinking beer. Great flavor and color, typical doppelbock colors. The head is really nice and smooth, really nice feel in the mouth. It really has some depth with some oak flavors and smoothness. Once again, like most of my reviews, great with German cheese and crackers or bread. Yes, there are other cheeses, but why change. This beer is my constant goto beer. Just pour it in and enjoy!

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2009 21:37:37 | More by Schwarzwald

BeerCon5

Pennsylvania

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

Pours a very dark brown almost black color, with two fingers of foamy tan head.

The scent is of caramel malts, spices, and alcohol.

The taste consists of molasses, toasted caramel malts, some notes of fruit, and noticeable alcohol.

Full bodied, thick, smooth and creamy, adequate carbonation.

This was a fantastic doppelbock, this was incredibly flavorful and quite easy to drink for a heavier beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2010 21:27:22 | More by BeerCon5

Beerbluesbiology

Pennsylvania

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

Pours a beautiful mahogony color with slight hints of maroon when held to light. Substantial head dwindles to faint traces of foam. Smells of dark chocolate, molasses faint anise, dark malt and faint trace of alcohol. Taste: like pouring velvet in your mouth. This beer tastes and feels so smooth. The smokey malt dwindles to a light hoppy finish with a dry feel on the tongue...beautiful. This is an abolutely world-class beer with nothing to be ashamed of...except maybe the price. Savor every sip!

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2010 22:45:47 | More by Beerbluesbiology

sj660

California

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

Coffee colored elixir with golden highlights. There is a medium foam with decent retention.

There is an alcoholic aroma with a faint touch of malt.

The taste is a malt-bomb of nuts, molasses, and faint coffee notes. Slight touch of a hop aftertaste. Not dry.

Full bodied, creamy, and warm with medium to low carbonation.

Excellent beer! L'Chaim!

This beer was a perfect complement to smoked herring.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2011 20:37:39 | More by sj660

BarryMFBurton

Indiana

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

When I bought this, the cashier at the liquor store told me this was “the world’s best dopplebock.” I love a good dark beer, so I had to try it out.

A: Pours dark and sultry. Very thin brown head that dissipates rather quickly. Looks like a deep, reddish-brown coffee after a few minutes. Has a thick and dark presence that instantly commands your presence.

S: Sweet chocolate and coffee pound the senses. Some surprising fruitiness, too. Smells very potent.

T: Wow. Wow, wow, wow. There's a lot going on here. Smoky coffee and dark, dark chocolate do a lot to expand the palate up front. Then, there’s a pine/minty kick that tickles the taste buds even more. It’s strong, and you can definitely taste it – the alcohol is as smooth as it is present. There’s some tropical fruit notes as well – mango, melon, and a hint of something sweeter, like pineapple. It’s an incredible mix of flavors, and well blended to boot. This is the most well-balanced beer I’ve ever had.

M: I had a feeling this would be a bit syrupy, but, on the contrary, it’s rather light on the tongue. Perfectly sippable.

O: Whenever someone tells me a product is “the best of its kind,” I am rightfully skeptical. But this is, without a doubt, is the best in the world. A true work of art. Gute Arbeit, Deutschland!

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2011 23:27:56 | More by BarryMFBurton

legalpete19340

Virginia

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

A: This is beer. Mahogany colored with a perfect head that never went anywhere.

S: Sweet bread. That is the nose on this guy. Caramel and great malt notes.

T: Sweetness pushes through early on in molasses and dried fruit, perhaps raisins and plums. Then huge bready malts and just the slightest thread of pure alcohol near the end.

M: Perfect. Medium and slightest bit chewy when you want it, smooth and light when you dont.

O: The goat has been hanging from the stick in my jeep for years because this is a beer to remember. So enjoyable from start to finish. The Doppelbock. Brilliant in its simple complexity.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2011 00:44:10 | More by legalpete19340

lnashsig

Texas

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

Many thanks to Beenitty for the chance to try this! I have actually never had it before, and haven't had much exposure to this beer style at all.

Poured into my DFH snifter, pours a pitch black, completely opaque color. Off white/beige head fills the top of the glass then slowly recedes, leaving a crackly 1 finger worth of cloud-like head that never dissipates. Smell- Molasses, tea leaves, faint bourbon, bready malt. Taste- molasses first to the back of the throat. A roasty faint coffee flavor next. Oh wow. So much going on here, very hard to describe the complexity of this brew. There is a definite appearance of a bourbon flavor here, but it is offset by the roasty bitterness. I'm shocked. Why the hell haven't I been drinking dobblebocks all along? This is an amazing brew. I now forgive the Germans for their short-sighted Reinheitsgebot laws. Mouthfeel- this is perfection. Drinkability- for 6.7%, there is no alcohol feeling here. This is just amazing.

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2011 21:26:17 | More by lnashsig

ryantaussig

New York

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

This is a top notch beer. When it comes to Doppelbocks, this one is king. The nose was the only thing that left me wanting. This beer can serve in so many functions. I consider it one of the best possible beers to cook with. It's exceptionally well balanced between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Plenty of spice to it as well, but not so much that it throws it off balance, in fact it enhances the balance. I don't rave like this about many beers. This one is simply great.

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2011 05:32:17 | More by ryantaussig

Smokehouse2012

Puerto Rico

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

Recommended by my local brewery bartender and boy he really hit it on this one. Beautiful dark brown color, just a bit of light gets through. Excellent caramel smell with a hint of fruits maybe? Mouth feel is amazing, silky smooth and very inviting for another sip. Taste is nothing short of exceptional, excellent to enjoy right after dinner. Overall this is a beer i would seek out time and time again, an excellent representative of its style, hence its name Celebrator... Great beer to celebrate!

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 21:22:39 | More by Smokehouse2012

WMEugene

Virginia

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

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass. I have to say, it has one of the best bottle designs I've seen in a long time. Love the classic label with the goats on it to the plastic goat hanging around the bottle. Now on to the beer.

A - Pours a very dark brown with a creamy and bubbly thick tan head. Very good lacing.

S - Intense malt and fruit flavors. Noticeable smells of figs, raisins, bread and toffee.

T - Sweet bready flavors - complex mix of fruits and spices. Hints of bitterness after the sweet. Roasted malts also seem to be present. Unique and complex taste. The more I drink the more I discover on the palette.

M - Extremely smooth. Nice carbonation with a syrupy and chewy mouthfeel. Medium to thick bodied. Slightly sweet aftertaste.

O - Ayinger's Celebrator is an awesome beer - simple as that. Its sweet and slightly bitter full of interesting and complex flavors. It's a world class beer and an example of how great a lager truly can be. Run, don't walk to go pick this up!

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2011 00:10:54 | More by WMEugene

Cuttooth

North Carolina

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

Dark brown appearance, but with a ruby hue when held up to the light. Very nice.

Smells of brown sugar, dark fruit, and some sort of candy. Big on the maltiness.

Tastes similarly, malt and dark fruits dominate, but there are many other flavors I can't quite pinpoint. Coffee and chocolate in the back end maybe?

Mouthfeel is great, one of the smoothest beers I've ever had in my life.

If you are going to try only one doppelbock, make it this one. Definitely one of the world's finest beers.

Serving type: on-tap

01-10-2012 22:18:46 | More by Cuttooth

mustang70

Tennessee

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

as the first dopplebock I have ever tried. I must say it is very good. I wasn't sure what to expect so I was very surprised with the flavor. it has some very complex flavors. once it warms up you get more of the fruity notes. for a beer I chose at random. it turned out to be a great buy. will definitely buy again.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2012 01:22:03 | More by mustang70

RppIII

District of Columbia

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

Appearance: This beer was served in a 10-ounce Chalice. The color is a deep yet translucent mahogany with a beautiful tan head.

Smell: Essence of molasses pervades this brew. Balanced against the refined fragrance of molasses is that of spicy phenol, sweet caramel, and a toasted malt character.

Taste: Beautiful and complex. The first property that takes ahold and hangs on for the entire ride is that of malt and molasses. Subtly, the essence of fig augments the flavor. Piercingly, hops enter to contrast the sweet foundation and create dissonance in this otherwise harmonious symphony of flavor. During the recapitulation, an essence of alcohol and grain are present to usher this dark nectar to an unceasing end.

Mouth-feel: Unable to break the grips of its captor (rich, full bodied, thick malt), the carbonation, fully infused, makes this beer smooth.

Drinkability: A nectar seemingly not meant for mortal palates. Divinely inspired!? The Germans can be thanked for making this brew available and thusly determining my only sustenance till the day I die.

Served on tap from Kilted Mermaid of Vero Beach, FL for a price of $5

Serving type: on-tap

04-23-2012 02:02:12 | More by RppIII