Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying

cretemixer

Indiana

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

Great pour. Reverse cascading head rests on a deep walnut colored brew. The head finally settles to about a quarter inch. I smell mollasses, chocolate, alcohol. Slightly metalic taste, flatter flavor than I expected. This is my first Celebrator so I may have to try another to see if it's consistent with this one. The flavors are not as deep as the nose suggests. After letting the beer warm up a bit it improved greatly. It's a little cold in my cellar right now. Dry finish. Not my favorite style, but quite good.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2003 06:40:15 | More by cretemixer

Sixpack595

Michigan

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

This is what a Doppel should be. Beutifull red-black color with a solid tan head. Nice malt flavor with slight hops, and a hint of fruitiness. Thick beer, leaves a syrupy mouthfeel, and combined with a fair alcohol content reassures you that you made a wise choice. Good, but not great head retention and nice lacing. Runs almost $20 a sixer here, but is worth every penny. Also saved me the hassel of buying Christmas orniments...just emptied out my mason jar full of goats. Good times.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2003 12:08:17 | More by Sixpack595

Gusler

Arizona

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

The beer is a deep garnet, almost brown with the head magnificent in size, frothy in texture and a beauteous light tan in color, the residual lace a satiny curtain to conceal the glass. Malt dominates the nose; sweet with hints of smoke, molasses like tones also present, could also say peat and brown sugar, quite a pleasure to “Sniff”. Quite sweet at the start, the top middling and rich in mouth feel, finish is modestly carbonated, spicily hopped, droughty lingering aftertaste. "One Hell of A Good" doppelbock and one that is always in stock in the cellar and DBF.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2003 08:31:10 | More by Gusler

MJR

Missouri

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

This bottle comes with free plastic jewelry...bonus!!

Appearance: Pours what appears to be black from across the room...fooled you! It's dark brown with garnet highlights and has decent clarity for a brew this dark. A tan head starts really big and shrinks down to a more-than-respectable size.

Smell: Nose of sweet malt, dry fruit, molasses, caramel, raisons, and hops. A touch of alcohol too. Massive aroma here...

Taste: Where do I start? There's all of the flavors from the aroma, plus a slight bready flavor. Bitter chocolate. I notice a touch of alcohol on the end, along with a small roasted note. The smallest bit of hop flavor shows up too. Very complex...

Mouthfeel: Fairly thick with an oily mouthfeel. Finishes round and full, with lots of residual sugars adding body. Very nice.

Drinkability: Top of the class. This is an outstanding doppelbock that's worth every penny you pay for it. Sure it's fairly strong alcohol-wise, but walking's overrated anyway...

As stunning as it is from a bottle, it's worth mentioning that this beer is much better on tap.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2002 23:40:09 | More by MJR

ElGuapo

New Jersey

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

just plain exceptional. a beautiful dark brown to black pour with massive tan foam all over the glass that will stick with you all the way down. roasty aromas of coffee, malts, and bread will come out at you.

full flavored and full bodied, this is just a pure piece of work. much darker than i had anticipated, this one was surprisingly roasty with coffee flavors that just added a very nice touch to this very complex brew. bread and malts dominated the flavor, and there was a nice balance of spices in there. it was very smooth and rich, but not so heavy to fill you up after a few gulps. top of the line, and this one will have a permanent place in my fridge.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2002 16:21:57 | More by ElGuapo

bewareOFpenguin

Massachusetts

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

All around great beer. It poured a nice dark color. It had a great sweet taste. I really enjoyed this beer, from beginning to end. I could sense the malt, and the carbonation was just right. Perfect!!

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2002 06:51:45 | More by bewareOFpenguin

WVbeergeek

Ohio

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

Well, what can I say in comparison to Salvator, Sam Adams, and Moretti this Doppelbock was superior according to my taste buds. The deep amber tint of the beer shines through when the darkness of it when held up to the light. Aroma of this beer fulfilling by itself, but after tasting this malty treat I was truly fulfilled with pleasure. For the mouthful that each sip delivers it presents a heavy caramel, sweet plum, at the same time a pleasant driness if that makes sense. A very complex, but at the same time extraordinary offering that stands up to all standards of a great double bock. After how drinkable it was on tap, I can't wait to try it in a bottle to compare.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2002 22:09:41 | More by WVbeergeek

jtw5877

Ohio

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

Pours a deep brownish red with a decent tan head. Smells like malty goodness, deep chocolate, coffee, caramel, tastes and aroma. Straight Up solid tasty one heck of a beer. At a time in my life when I feel like a slave to hops its nice to have malt sneak up and slap me across the face. A really good beer. My gratitude goes out to StevieW for turning me on to this stuff.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2002 17:09:56 | More by jtw5877

Realale

Missouri

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

Very deep reddish brown - its shading toward black (my wife asked if it was a Porter!). Big small-bubbled head settles somewhat slowly to a small ring of foam.

Nose is all about malt. A rich slightly sweet maltiness predominates, but there are supporting notes of prune, molasses, and burnt sugar. Very complex.

In the mouth, it disappoints a bit, but only when compared to the stunning nose. All of the maltiness is there, and prunes, etc. show up again, but it seems a bit hollow in the mid-palate, and could use a bit more carbonation to keep it lively. It is surprisingly light, and the malty sweetness is not over-powering at all.

The finish is nice and well integrated, with the burnt sugar note keeping the malt in check.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2002 04:56:45 | More by Realale

Lupe

New York

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

I like the goat trinket, could make a nice ornament on the tree.

Wonderful appearance. Pours almost back, some dark red hues. Huge tan head that settles into a nice sheet and sticks to the glass. Different aromas come through with no single one dominating: toffee, chocolate, toasted malt, carmel and rum scents are all present. Thick and full bodied with a silky smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

Flavor is very complex. Starts sweet with some molasses, chocolate, and toffee, then comes a bready taste. Some fruity flavors come through, kind of like green apple. A little hop presence is noted and helps it from being overly sweet. Finishes a bit dry with a slightly sugary aftertaste.

This brew is delicious. Thick and chewy, easy to drink - especially for a doppelbock. Wonderful complexity. Highly enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2002 19:49:25 | More by Lupe

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