Beer fanatics will eventually reach a point in their better beer adventure where they settle on a few preferred specialty styles. Once there, chances are that they will be compelled to learn more about those styles. I eventually discovered that bocks were my go-to happy making brews. My newly found love for the style caused me to research their region and history. And wouldn’t you know it; my favorite brews hail from the Bavarian region of Germany and have a long rich history. That taught me two things. First, I’m going to pay a premium for my favorite beer since I live in the Unites States. Second, I will have to travel to Germany if I am to ever to crest the quality summit. I recently got a chance to do just that via a trip to the Baltic region in Northern Europe. Part of that trip was a stop in Berlin, Germany (technically not Bavaria, but certainly close enough). I had one and only one goal for that visit: find a fantastic local doppelbock. Mission accomplished: I give you the Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel from Klosterbrauerei Andechs.

In the glass, this beer has a deep brown coloration with a bright ruby hue. I sat there for several minutes marveling at the beauty of this beer in the sunlight. Seriously, check out my helpful pic and try not to drool on yourself. It comes with a frothy tan head that likes to stick around for a while. On the nose, that signature sweet caramel aroma fills the area around the glass. The malt profile is soft and savory with a pleasant roasted quality. I also detected some honey notes which sent my salivary glands into overdrive.

That first sip sent tingles down my spine. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy with a medium-thick body. This foundation provided the perfect platform for a complex array of malty caramel sweetness. The base malt and yeasts combine to form a delicious toasted bread crust quality. That combined with the rich caramel sweetness and honey vibe creates a warm bready character that I can best describe as pumpernickel. The beer finishes sticky with a mild hop sting and leaves a sweet malty aftertaste.

Overall, the Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel from Klosterbrauerei Andechs is a fantastic representation of the doppelbock style. It’s complex and intense without being unapproachable. Consequently, I can recommend this delightful brew to all levels of beer fans (if you are lucky enough to find it, of course). I was very lucky to find this beauty at a Berlin beer garden, which I now denote a bucket list item for any fan of craft beer. As an avid fan of the bock style, this was a magical experience for me. I cannot recommend beer-based exploration enough. Not only was the cultural experience worth every penny, but you also gain a profound appreciation for the beers you love.