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. 

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.