Top 10 Doppelbock Lagers Brewed in USA
This Top Ten List of Doppelbock Brews is from the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. The best Doppelbocks have a malty sweetness that is dominant but should not be cloying. Malt character is more reminiscent of fresh and lightly toasted Munich-style malt; more so than caramel or toffee malt character. Some elements of caramel and toffee can be evident and contribute to complexity, but the predominant malt character is an expression of toasted barley malt. Doppelbocks are full bodied and deep amber to dark brown in color. ABV: 6.5% – 8.0%. IBU: 17-27
1. The Regulator – Rahr and Son – Texas
2. Wobblor – Crooked Lane Brewing – California
3. Emancipator – Spilled Grain Brewhouse – Minnesota
4. Spectator – On Tour Brewing – Illinois
5. Double Vision Doppelbock – Grand Teton Brewing – Idaho
6. Samuel Adams Double Bock – Samuel Adams – Massachusetts
7. Detonator Doppelbock – Fish Brewing Company – Washington
8. Ballast Point Brandy Barrel Aged Navigator Doppelbock – California
9. Dominator Doppelbock – Sun King Brewing – Indiana
10. Duck-Rabbator Doppelbock – Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery – North Carolina
History of Doppelbock
Doppelbock, a rich and robust beer style, originated in the 17th century at the Paulaner monastery in Munich, Germany. Monks at the monastery, seeking sustenance during periods of fasting such as Lent, brewed a stronger version of their traditional bock beer to provide nourishment while adhering to religious restrictions on solid food. This hearty brew, initially called “Salvator” by the Paulaner monks, was dubbed “liquid bread” due to its high caloric content and malty sweetness. The term “doppelbock,” meaning “double bock,” reflected its increased strength, typically ranging from 7-12% alcohol by volume, and it was crafted with a focus on rich malt flavors, minimal hop bitterness, and a deep amber to dark brown hue.
By the 19th century, doppelbock gained popularity beyond the monastery, with Paulaner’s Salvator becoming a benchmark for the style. Other German breweries, such as Ayinger and Spaten, began producing their own versions, often appending the suffix “-ator” to their names (e.g., Celebrator, Optimator) in homage to Salvator. The style’s commercial success led to its refinement, emphasizing smooth, complex flavors like caramel, toffee, and dark fruit, with a full-bodied texture. Today, doppelbock remains a beloved style worldwide, with both traditional German examples and innovative interpretations from craft brewers, particularly in the United States, where brewers experiment with barrel-aging or adjuncts while preserving the style’s historical roots in monastic brewing traditions.
Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged