Doppelbock
(#39)
Exemplified by Fade to Doppelbock
I already wrote about how doppelbocks came into existence—monks decided that beer was okay during Lent, and so they went out and created a tasty beer that would really get them through those forty days with style. Salvator was the doppelbock for centuries, so much so that doppelbocks were just called "salvators." Copyright law eventually became a thing, and now we say doppelbock. Tomato, tomahto.
Here's how tasting beer describes this style's aroma and flavor: "loads of complex malt; no hops evident... massive caramel malt; soft, roasty finish." From what I recall. this was exactly how Salvator tasted. And I loved it. In that regard, I was really excited to see what Neshaminy Creek did with their doppelbock. Let's see what these Americans can come up with.
I am neither enthralled nor disappointed with this take on the doppelbock style. As I will rediscover over and over until I am no longer surprised, beers and brewers are not beholden to any sort of rules or guidelines. I can tell you that doppelbocks are rich with caramel flavors, but if a brewer wants to make a doppelbock that tastes overwhelmingly like cocoa, then there is nothing anyone can do about it. This is a doppelbock, but it also breaks the rules of the doppelbock.
Again, I'm not complaining—this was actually a really good beer, and had a really complex taste beyond its threat to overwhelm with chocolate. At the same time, I appreciate the classics, and am always going to hold the new twists on old favorites at a bit of an arm's length. That's really cool that you used "single-source Ecuadorian chocolate" in this really tasty beer, Neshaminy Creek... now give me a doppelbock, will you?
BEER: Fade to Doppelbock
STYLE: German Doppelbock
ABV: 7.4%
BREWED BY: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company
LOCATION: Croydon, PA
PURCHASED AT: Foodery
PAIRED WITH: LIDL PIZZA PARTY
GRADE: 3.5 pukes out of 5
BEER COUNT: 207
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