You'll sometimes hear doppelbock referred to as liquid bread, since it's made from grains and provides a significant amount of calories. The style first gained popularity when brewed by monks in Munich, Germany. The legend is that they were not permitted solid food during the season of Lent, so they developed this strong, malty beer to give them the energy to do their normal work.
No doppelbocks should evidence any hop flavor or aroma. They get all their character simply from lots of malt.
Why it's best: This was the first, original Doppelbock beer, and most of us still consider it the role model, centuries later. It's even still brewed near the same spot in Munich, Germany. Salvator has a unique malty aroma that's characteristically German, but more interesting than most. The initial flavor impression is a malty sweetness, with overtones of caramel and burnt almond, and a distinct undertone of toffee.
Salvator has a powerful complexity that makes it stand out in any lineup of doppelbocks. Even though the recipe has change from time to time over the years, any beer aficionado should be able to pick it out every time. In fact, other brewers hold it in such high regard that many doppelbocks are given a name ending in "-ator" as a tribute to Salvator. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: This is a great example of an American brewer practically duplicating the original German style. Double Bock is now widely available throughout the country, and it strongly reminds me of Paulaner Salvator.
Since you're quite likely to find Samuel Adams Double Bock in a fresh condition, it makes sense to go for the domestic product. You'll get a bit of a bargain and you'll have a very reliable and excellent example of the style. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Optimator's malt flavor is more assertive than Paulaner's version, with almost a slightly burnt character. That's definitely not a bad thing, because it helps you slow down and enjoy it more slowly. You won't find the smoothness of Salvator, but you will find just as much complexity and some very interesting flavors.
Optimator is a great match with grilled sausages or wild game. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Celebrator is the one in the bottle with the little white plastic goat hanging around the neck. The beer inside is just as distinctive as the packaging, with a strong malty sweetness. Like most of the Ayinger beers, there is a characteristic aroma and flavor that almost reminds me of a milky tea or coffee. That may sound strange, but it works really well in the Ayinger beers, and the popularity of Celebrator shows that most beer drinkers agree. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Korbinian isn't as easy to find as the others, but is well worth looking for. A truly excellent example of the doppelbock style, it has a beautiful complexity. I find the flavor reminds me of dark pumpernickel bread, with caramel flavors blending into strength. There is also just a touch of fruitiness, which comes from the dark Munich malts used in its brewing. Consider Korbinian as the last course to top off a big meal. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
