Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel
One of the smoother and more perilous examples of traditional, Bavarian-brewed doppelbock, it beautifully integrates caramelized-sugar notes with touches of roast and chocolate, all set into a soft yet firm bitter grip. Somehow, it drinks like an ordinary dunkel, as one half-liter seems to lead to another.
ABV: 7.1%
IBUs: 19
Loc: Andechs, Bavaria, Germany
Tröegs Tröegenator Double Bock
Respect to Hershey for putting out a year-round doppelbock as a core beer—and it’s a beaut, with a jewel-like dark ruby hue. From a nose like mincemeat pie—raisin, dark brown sugar—the sip carries those notes into the flavor while layering on some chocolate and ample but smooth bitterness. On the fuller, richer, naughtier end of the doppelbock spectrum.
ABV: 8.2%
IBUs: 25
Loc: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Weihenstephaner Korbinian
Often overlooked in the shadows of the brewery’s own world-class wheat beers, as well as other more readily available bocks whose names end in “ator,” this is nonetheless one of the finest: Dried-fruit notes mingle with caramel, molasses, and hints of chocolate; despite the richness and complexity, the finish is clean, and the drinkability is high.
ABV: 7.4%
IBUs: 32
Loc: Aying, Bavaria, Germany
KC Bier Winterbock
Dark caramel leads the nose on this Midwestern bock brewed with studious German methods, a silver-medal winner at the last World Beer Cup. On the sip, it initially leans sweet, deepened by notes of coffee and cocoa, rounding beautifully into a clean, drying bitterness. Indulgent, yet they never seem to put enough of it in the bottle.
ABV: 8.25%
IBUs: 24
Loc: Kansas City, Missouri
Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche
The bigger, beefier, oak-smoked rendition of Heller-Bräu Trum’s famous Rauchbier balances malt heft and primal appeal with sufficient bitterness and a dangerously drinkable frame. It feels destined for hearty stews, cold nights, and firesides—or, ideally, a bustling beer hall warmed by fellow revelers.
ABV: 8%
IBUs: 40
Loc: Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany