Beer Styles
Doppelbock
Beer style guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Lager
- Lager • Bock
- 7–10% ABV
- 16–30 IBU
- full body
- low bitterness
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer approachable, low-bitterness beers.
- ✓You want a full-bodied, substantial beer.
- ✓You want a stronger beer (around 7–10% ABV).
Skip if…
- ✗You want strong hop flavour or a bitter bite.
- ✗You prefer lighter, more refreshing beers.
- ✗You prefer session-strength or lower-alcohol beer.
At a Glance
7–10%ABV
16–30Bitterness
fullBody
deep amber to dark brownColour
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Doppelbock?
A stronger, richer, fuller-bodied bock-family lager, usually deeply malty and high in strength, with pale and dark variants.
Taste profile
low bitternessfull bodyBreadyMaltyCaramelLager
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
BitternessMild – Intense
Hop characterSubtle – Prominent
Malt / roastPale – Roasty
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style group: Lager
- ABV range: 7–10%
- IBU: 16–30
- full body
- Body
- full
- Sweetness
- medium-high
- Bready · medium intensity — Editorially reviewed style-level flavour support derived from the existing style description and composition.
- Malty · high intensity — Editorially reviewed style-level flavour support derived from the existing style description and composition.
- Caramel · medium intensity — Editorially reviewed style-level flavour support derived from the existing style description and composition.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- Munich HellesBoth lager styles; shared malty, bready notes.
- Marzen / OktoberfestBoth lager styles; shared caramel, malty, bready notes.
- BockBoth lager styles; shared caramel, malty notes.
- Dortmunder / Export LagerBoth lager styles; shared malty, bready notes.
- Helles BockBoth lager styles; shared malty, bready notes.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Doppelbock?
- A stronger, richer, fuller-bodied bock-family lager, usually deeply malty and high in strength, with pale and dark variants.
- What does Doppelbock taste like?
- Doppelbock is often described as Bready, Malty, Caramel. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
- What foods pair with Doppelbock?
- Doppelbock is versatile at the table. Lighter styles suit seafood and salads; maltier, fuller styles complement hearty stews and grilled meats.
- When should I enjoy Doppelbock?
- Doppelbock suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
- What beers are similar to Doppelbock?
- If you enjoy Doppelbock, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
- What are some popular examples of Doppelbock?
- Many breweries produce Doppelbock across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
Last updated
Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.