Beer Centric: Bock and Doppelbock Beer & the Christmas Season

🎄 Bock Beer & the Christmas Season: A Brew Steeped in Catholic Tradition 🍺

Rich, malty, and warming, Bock beers have long been tied to the Catholic calendar. Originally brewed in the 14th‑century German town of Einbeck, Bocks or "ein Bock" became known as celebratory beers—stronger, darker lagers released for special occasions. Brewers relied on techniques levered from German monastic brewers

By the 19th century, breweries—especially those founded by German immigrants—were crafting seasonal Bocks for Christmas, Lent, Easter, and winter gatherings, making them some of the earliest “seasonal releases” in beer culture. As Christmas approached, a Bock became a small sign of the season’s shift: from the quiet penitence of early Advent to the joyful feasting of Christ’s Nativity. In many Catholic regions, sharing a strong winter beer was part of gathering with family, honoring tradition, and celebrating the Light entering the world.

Traditionally, Bock beer is a sweet, relatively strong lager with an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 6.3% to 13% or more, depending on the variant, and a color ranging from light copper to brown.  It is characterized by a malty, toasty aroma and flavor, low to moderate bitterness (20–30 International Bitterness Units), and a smooth mouthfeel with low to moderate carbonation. 

🍺 What exactly is a Doppelbock?

In contrast, a Doppelbock is a stronger and richer lager that originated in Munich, Germany, and is considered a "double" version of the traditional Bock beer.   It is characterized by its deep, reddish-brown to dark brown color, intense malty sweetness, and a full-bodied profile with a noticeable but smooth alcoholic strength, typically ranging from 7% to 10% ABV, though some examples can exceed 12%.  The style is known for its toasted, bready malt character, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruits like prune and raisin, while hop presence is minimal or absent.

Historically, it was brewed by monks of the Paulaner order, who referred to it as "Sankt-vater-bier" (Blessed Father beer), later shortened to "Salvator," a name now trademarked by Paulaner. The beer earned the nickname "liquid bread" due to its high caloric content and role as sustenance during fasting periods, particularly Lent. Modern Doppelbocks are well-attenuated, resulting in a less sweet profile than historical versions, with a clean fermentation character and low to medium carbonation.

Domestic examples of each style can be found with Louisiana's Parish Brewing Bock, Settle Down Easy Brewing Frühlhardy  and  Internationally, we enjoy the  Hofbräuhaus Delicator. 

Settle Down Easy with Local #VACraftBeer

There are now 266 brewery tasting rooms in the Commonwealth and sadly we have now only visited our 65th in the #VABreweryChallenge. The latest is quite close to home, the recently opened Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. (SDE). Located in Falls Church, the brewery's name is derived from lyrics in the Grateful Dead song Ramble on Rose -- but not so fast. Odell Brewing Company had trademarks rights from their Settle Down Brown, yet in a rare sign of trademark fellowship, granted the new proprietors rights to the name.

There were two positive aspects I noticed when entering the brewery. The first was its spacious and open floor plan that allows visitors to flow easily between tables and the bar. Plus it provided an extensive view the brewing equipment.  The second was the two British-styled beers that were listed on the color-coded tasting wall. English styles seem to be overlooked within the current craft beer market but SDE was pouring the Gallows Pale Ale and the Do Yourself a Favor Porter. I wonder if Head Brewer Henry Jager perfected these recipes at his stints at Twisted Pine Brewing Company and Heavy Seas Brewing. They are excellent examples of each style.

The brewery's overall portfolio is expansive with several hopped beers to meet the current IPA fever. There are multiple IPAs, a Dry Hopped Kolsch, and a hopped Martian Monster Red.  They also offer experiments with honey with the Sweet Scoville Sting Honey Jalapeno Ale (it has a kick) and the Raspberry Ramble Raspberry Honey Ale (aroma-centric and tart). But if the Imperial Chocolate Milk Stout is available on nitro, don't leave without a taste.

And as always these breweries can be visited easily using theCompass Craft Beverage Finder. Sorry iPhone 11 iOS and iPhones 5S and greater users. Cheers.