One of the most exciting aspects of better beer is that you never know when and where you are going to stumble upon some glorious nectar. Opening yourself up to the vast array of possibilities will uncover some amazing finds. I recently stumbled upon a fantastic German doppelbock hidden deep within the Appalachian foothills. Berliner Kindl is a tiny German restaurant nestled in the tiny town of Black Mountain, NC. I was there with my family celebrating Father’s Day. My dad ordered an Ayinger Ur-Weisse (yes, their beer menu is amazing). I ordered something I had never seen before: the Weihenstephaner Korbinian doppelbock.

In the glass, this beer has a murky dark brown coloration that is typical of a great doppelbock. It comes with a frothy tan head that has good retention. On the nose, that signature malty roast and caramel sweetness fills the air around the glass rim. I couldn’t ask for a better doppelbock introduction. I just smiled and dove right in.

It doesn’t take long to realize that you’ve found something special. All those glorious doppelbock flavor notes fill your mouth with delectable goodness. The caramel sweetness takes center stage and gives the mouthfeel a rich thickness. A savory toasted bread crust flavor establishes itself as a solid foundation. Resting in between is a delicious roasted malt character that adds a chocolaty vibe to the mix. I also detected a peppering of spicy notes, but nothing specific. The hop profile is actually bold and present, but is kept in check by the caramel sweetness. Consequently, this beer is wonderfully balanced and very drinkable. The finish is quite smooth and leaves a malty sweet aftertaste.

Overall, the Weihenstephaner Korbinian doppelbock is a fantastic representation of the doppelbock style. I cannot recommend this brew enough to any and all beer fans. Seasoned drinkers will bow to its Germanic greatness, while novices will be amazed by its sweet complexity and gentle nature. To be perfectly honest, I was stunned to find such a marvelous brew in such a strange place. And despite the picturesque Appalachian surroundings, I couldn't help but imagine myself in a quaint Bavarian beer garden. That, my brew loving friends, is the power of great beer.