My latest article for The Bulletin is out today, in which I focus on the springtime style of doppelbock. It’s not a widely brewed style among Central Oregon breweries, for whatever reason, but as it happens, 10 Barrel Brewing is currently pouring two, which I profile in this article.

Stylistically, doppelbock comes in two variants broadly defined by color, dark and pale. Both versions emphasize malts, and should be relatively strong, rich, and quite malty. The darker class is the more common, full of deeply toasted flavors and aromas, with possibilities of chocolate and dark fruits with some caramelization.

Paler examples should also be rich and toasty, and bready with less of the darker malt fruitiness. These may emphasize hops more, though the malt should still be the defining characteristic, and finish drier.

Both style variants are represented in 10 Barrel’s two offerings, each from a different pub. It does provide an interesting compare and contrast of the styles, especially knowing they were brewed at the same location.

Keep an eye out for other doppelbocks as well; I recently picked up Io Doppelbock from Ecliptic Brewing and Mediator Doppelbock from Heater Allen Brewing, so I’ll have reviews of those posted here at some point. Basically if you see one, get it! It’s definitely one of those overlooked styles in American brewing, I feel.