The Finest Doppelbock
Pipeworks Brewing Co.
- From:
- Pipeworks Brewing Co.
- Illinois, United States
- Style:
- Doppelbock
Ranked #16 - ABV:
- 6.9%
- Score:
- 92
Ranked #7,472 - Avg:
- 4.21 | pDev: 5.7%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 11
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Sep 07, 2025
- Added:
- Nov 09, 2021
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 0
SCORE
92
Outstanding
92
Outstanding
A Fine Doppelbock Lager.
A clean lager with toasty and nutty malts that contribute to flavors of brioche, hazelnuts, and chestnuts roasted on the fire (for real!)
It's a traditionally brewed beauty. If Unicorns - or goats for that matter - ponied up to a bar, they'd ask for "the finest doppelbock" and we'd have one for 'em.
A clean lager with toasty and nutty malts that contribute to flavors of brioche, hazelnuts, and chestnuts roasted on the fire (for real!)
It's a traditionally brewed beauty. If Unicorns - or goats for that matter - ponied up to a bar, they'd ask for "the finest doppelbock" and we'd have one for 'em.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by ChicagoJ from Illinois
4.42/5 rDev +5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.42/5 rDev +5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
6/14/24 - (Can - Home) (Chicago, IL) - Can Notes: Four pack purchased refrigerated from Pipeworks Dojo on 6/14/24 for $5.51. 16 oz canned 12/12/23 at 10:15 AM. 7.4% ABV. The Finest Dopplebock. Artwork by Ryan Duggan. 2023 Pipeworks Brewing Company, Brewed and Canned in Chicago, Illinois.
Appearance: Poured about 12 oz of the can into a tall tulip glass. Dark caramel bronze murky base, generous puffy caramel tan head lingers a few minutes before leaving a light ring above he base, while tiny bubble continue to emerge to the top to form an active cover above the direct middle. 4.25
Aroma: Toffee, caramel, sticky pudding, raisin cinnamon bread. Strawberries and dates as well. A wonderful flavor banquet. 4.75
Taste: Dominant caramel, raisin cinnamon bread consistent aroma, though the secondary aroma flavors stayed behind at the station. Nice, delicate, very nice on this cool evening. 4.25
Mouthfeel: Carbonation and hop sharpness may have dropped off from the fresh version, but all other markers met. Drinks easier than the listed 7.4% ABV, creamy medium body, carbonation negligible. Caramel raisin bread finish, very enjoyable. 4.25
Overall: Not sure if this was refrigerated over the past six months, but this has held on well. Will try a fresh version next batch to see if there was any marked mouthfeel and or hops carbonation difference over time, and whether the secondary aroma aspects held taste wise. But as is / sold and enjoyed today, I'm a very happy camper, and will pick out cooler days to enjoy the remaining cans. Thank you Pipeworks! 4.5
Jun 15, 2024Appearance: Poured about 12 oz of the can into a tall tulip glass. Dark caramel bronze murky base, generous puffy caramel tan head lingers a few minutes before leaving a light ring above he base, while tiny bubble continue to emerge to the top to form an active cover above the direct middle. 4.25
Aroma: Toffee, caramel, sticky pudding, raisin cinnamon bread. Strawberries and dates as well. A wonderful flavor banquet. 4.75
Taste: Dominant caramel, raisin cinnamon bread consistent aroma, though the secondary aroma flavors stayed behind at the station. Nice, delicate, very nice on this cool evening. 4.25
Mouthfeel: Carbonation and hop sharpness may have dropped off from the fresh version, but all other markers met. Drinks easier than the listed 7.4% ABV, creamy medium body, carbonation negligible. Caramel raisin bread finish, very enjoyable. 4.25
Overall: Not sure if this was refrigerated over the past six months, but this has held on well. Will try a fresh version next batch to see if there was any marked mouthfeel and or hops carbonation difference over time, and whether the secondary aroma aspects held taste wise. But as is / sold and enjoyed today, I'm a very happy camper, and will pick out cooler days to enjoy the remaining cans. Thank you Pipeworks! 4.5
Reviewed by Dinglehacker from Wisconsin
4.68/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.68/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured into dimpled glass seidel. Bit of beige head that doesn't last, and a nice full brown body.
Sweet dark bread nose with a hint of malty chocolate.
Taste follows, with caramel and brown sugar all silky and balanced.
Full, wet mouth, slightly chewy.
Really good.
Jan 24, 2024Sweet dark bread nose with a hint of malty chocolate.
Taste follows, with caramel and brown sugar all silky and balanced.
Full, wet mouth, slightly chewy.
Really good.
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois
4.01/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.01/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This is only my 12th from Pipeworks in their 12 years. It seems I've been something of a slacker since I live just over a mile from their bottleshop. But then again, Pipeworks has made their money purveying hops and I am a malt-head. So it was with mild trepidation that I thought I'd try their rendition of one of the maltiest lager styles. I am not disappointed. In fact, I almost amazed at how well Pipeworks put together this doppel.
Poured into my BA Respect Beer glass, The Finest D-bock promises a lot and it nearly gets that far. As I look at this through the setting sun, I'd expect brilliant red tinges; instead they are a bit closer to a brown dull, and more foam would help. Smells offer quality, but not distinguished beyond mostly aromatic malts. Tastes start the same, but there is a lingering hop influence that confirms balance. Nuts with grains are another Taste. Soft, rich and medium-mouthed. The Finest is not up there with the Bavarian masters. But The Finest can compete with the North American lager specialists who approach Bavarian standards. And for that, I think I'll go buy a 4-pack of Pipeworks' Finest and start comparing.
I give unusually high Overall Hugs because Pipeworks offers a different model and they made it work. Because the margins are better in a taproom, most crafters start that way and expect better cash flow. But Pipeworks has no taproom and instead has focussed on breaking into the distribution network... which favors their success long-term. So, Prost !
3/5/24 Found a second copy and edited above.
Jan 20, 2024Poured into my BA Respect Beer glass, The Finest D-bock promises a lot and it nearly gets that far. As I look at this through the setting sun, I'd expect brilliant red tinges; instead they are a bit closer to a brown dull, and more foam would help. Smells offer quality, but not distinguished beyond mostly aromatic malts. Tastes start the same, but there is a lingering hop influence that confirms balance. Nuts with grains are another Taste. Soft, rich and medium-mouthed. The Finest is not up there with the Bavarian masters. But The Finest can compete with the North American lager specialists who approach Bavarian standards. And for that, I think I'll go buy a 4-pack of Pipeworks' Finest and start comparing.
I give unusually high Overall Hugs because Pipeworks offers a different model and they made it work. Because the margins are better in a taproom, most crafters start that way and expect better cash flow. But Pipeworks has no taproom and instead has focussed on breaking into the distribution network... which favors their success long-term. So, Prost !
3/5/24 Found a second copy and edited above.
Reviewed by stortore from Illinois
4.25/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
16 ounce can into a pilsner glass. Canned 11/2/21, had 12/16/21.
Pours a vibrant copper color, fairly clear, with a two inch foamy head with good retention and a decent amount of foamy lacing. Active carbonation. Aromas of malt, caramel, dark bread, a bit of a peppery, spicy aroma. Fairly similar flavors- malt, caramel, less bready than the nose. Has a light herbal flavor, with a little spicy and peppery taste. Smooth, a solid medium body that’s a touch lighter for the style, well carbonated.
Pretty solid from top to bottom. A little lighter than most, but really well done. Was actually surprised at how much I liked this.
May 30, 2023Pours a vibrant copper color, fairly clear, with a two inch foamy head with good retention and a decent amount of foamy lacing. Active carbonation. Aromas of malt, caramel, dark bread, a bit of a peppery, spicy aroma. Fairly similar flavors- malt, caramel, less bready than the nose. Has a light herbal flavor, with a little spicy and peppery taste. Smooth, a solid medium body that’s a touch lighter for the style, well carbonated.
Pretty solid from top to bottom. A little lighter than most, but really well done. Was actually surprised at how much I liked this.
Reviewed by jjamadorphd from Florida
4.24/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
The finest? Maybe not...but it's pretty damn close...
Gorgeous looking beer with a scent that hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mouthfeel is light and crisp, which hides the fact it's boozier than advertised. Solid flavor of the same I noted on the nose, and overall it's one of the better doppelbocks I've had, if it wasn't the finest...
Jul 10, 2022Gorgeous looking beer with a scent that hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mouthfeel is light and crisp, which hides the fact it's boozier than advertised. Solid flavor of the same I noted on the nose, and overall it's one of the better doppelbocks I've had, if it wasn't the finest...
Reviewed by Frisbeehead from Ohio
4.15/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.15/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
1 pint can, canned on 11/2/2021, drank on 1/11/2022
L: Pours a nice deep amber brown color, mostly clear but with a tad of cloudiness. Nice inch thick foamy cream colored head that slowly dissipates into a lacing that remains while I drink the rest of the beer.
S: Nothing of note with the smell, doppelbocks aren't really known for being very aromatic beers so I didn't expect much here. I get a bit of malty sweetness and rye bread.
T: Very smooth, malty up front, nice carbonation, a bit of sweetness but not overly so (like you get with some malt bombs). For a 6.9% beer, the alcohol is very well hidden, it doesn't taste boozy or strong at all. Very enjoyable and drinkable, reminds me of some of the better German doppelbocks that I've had. Definitely worthy of the style.
F: As mentioned above it's well carbonated, smooth, similar mouthfeel to a Vienna Lager. The carbonation feels tighter like with other German styles.
O: Really solid representation of the style, probably one of the best American doppelbocks that I've had. I wish more breweries made this style, it's very enjoyable.
Jan 11, 2022L: Pours a nice deep amber brown color, mostly clear but with a tad of cloudiness. Nice inch thick foamy cream colored head that slowly dissipates into a lacing that remains while I drink the rest of the beer.
S: Nothing of note with the smell, doppelbocks aren't really known for being very aromatic beers so I didn't expect much here. I get a bit of malty sweetness and rye bread.
T: Very smooth, malty up front, nice carbonation, a bit of sweetness but not overly so (like you get with some malt bombs). For a 6.9% beer, the alcohol is very well hidden, it doesn't taste boozy or strong at all. Very enjoyable and drinkable, reminds me of some of the better German doppelbocks that I've had. Definitely worthy of the style.
F: As mentioned above it's well carbonated, smooth, similar mouthfeel to a Vienna Lager. The carbonation feels tighter like with other German styles.
O: Really solid representation of the style, probably one of the best American doppelbocks that I've had. I wish more breweries made this style, it's very enjoyable.
Reviewed by BubbleBobble from New York
4.17/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.17/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a a dark ruby, thin .5" rusty head, limited retention, lots of visible carbonation. Nose is light spice (clove, cinnamon, allspice), golden syrup, and treacle. Taste has fruity yeast notes, caramel, toffee, golden syrup, light molasses, baked brown bread, even some rye. Well balanced and not overly heavy in either direction. Mouthfeel is properly full with light rounded carbonation. Overall, it's flavors are light but clean, but drink a little on the heavy side, so probably wouldn't want more than one of these. All said, a well done and enjoyable beer.
Jan 09, 2022
Reviewed by darktronica from Indiana
4.46/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a ruby copper with a half finger of head, very modest lacing. Cashew, fresh wheat bread, a touch of caramel and candi sugar. Light fruitiness on the palate, peach, apricot, and prune. Full bodied for 6.9% ABV. Delightful.
Jan 05, 2022
Reviewed by Brutaltruth from Ohio
4.25/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
From the 16oz can in a snifter. This solid brew pours a dark
ruby tinged mahogany with a nice head of white foam that settles
to a thick ring, thin clumping layer, and sports some nice lacing.
Nose of toffee, raisin bread, orchard fruit notes of peach and apricot,
and brown sugars. Flavors nail it for the style with brown sugars,
dark breaded malts, raisin, apricot, herbal hop notes, and nutty
malt flavors. Very nice mouth feel; medium body, light
carbonation, and a sweet finish that is warming and lightly dry.
Overall---wow.....SOLID!
Cheers
Dec 26, 2021ruby tinged mahogany with a nice head of white foam that settles
to a thick ring, thin clumping layer, and sports some nice lacing.
Nose of toffee, raisin bread, orchard fruit notes of peach and apricot,
and brown sugars. Flavors nail it for the style with brown sugars,
dark breaded malts, raisin, apricot, herbal hop notes, and nutty
malt flavors. Very nice mouth feel; medium body, light
carbonation, and a sweet finish that is warming and lightly dry.
Overall---wow.....SOLID!
Cheers
Reviewed by GrumpyGas from Illinois
4.29/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.29/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
16oz can pours a clear, orange-tinted, brown body and supports a 1"cap of cream colored, mixed bubbles that falls to wispy islands and an edge ring.
Bready aroma is joined by what I can only describe as berry like, or possibly apricot, and the flavor matches including a hint of toasted malt. Warmth brings out the nutty flavor as well. Very easy drinking, and in quantity, no less.
Medium feel with no harshness. Such a smooth, even body.
Overall, I think the name may be audacious, but not too far off the mark.
Nov 28, 2021Bready aroma is joined by what I can only describe as berry like, or possibly apricot, and the flavor matches including a hint of toasted malt. Warmth brings out the nutty flavor as well. Very easy drinking, and in quantity, no less.
Medium feel with no harshness. Such a smooth, even body.
Overall, I think the name may be audacious, but not too far off the mark.
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois
4.34/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Canned 11/2/21; drank 11/22/21 @ the Yarchives.
See-through orange/brown appearance.
A rough pour yielded a huge tan head; frothy, tree-rung lace.
Caramel, strawberry & fall leaf notes in the nose.
Medium thick, creamy mouthfeel.
Caramel, strawberry, mild orange peel & faint acorn flavors.
Surprisingly fruity but very balanced. An EXCELLENT doppelbock.
Nov 23, 2021See-through orange/brown appearance.
A rough pour yielded a huge tan head; frothy, tree-rung lace.
Caramel, strawberry & fall leaf notes in the nose.
Medium thick, creamy mouthfeel.
Caramel, strawberry, mild orange peel & faint acorn flavors.
Surprisingly fruity but very balanced. An EXCELLENT doppelbock.
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