Blonde Doppelbock
Capital Brewery

*archived rating*

 

 

This was one of the few somewhat accessible Midwest brews that I had not tried that was reviewed in the "1001 Beers you Must Taste Before You Die." Published in 2012, I achieved my goal of half in 2016 about the time I joined BA. I rarely found a 1001 after that and none I recall since 2020. So Capital's Blonde Doppel is great find... also because it is reviewed by the venerable Randy Mosher who I hear too little of lately.

As for Blondie... Closer to Amber, a point others make. Aromatics are mute, but balanced. But to a malt-head like me, these Tastes emanate from Heaven... or if you are a pagan, than this is the Nectar of the Gods. Very smooth, but only a tinge of ABV which, frankly, doesn't bother me one bit.

I'm glad I bought three BDs in a "Delicious Dozen" sampler from Capital on a beer run to Kenosha.

From a bottle:
Pours a dark blonde color. Fairly clear when I hold it to the light. 1 finger white head forms, but isn't long lasting at all. No lacing on the glass.
The aroma has a hint of sweetness from the malt. Slight hints of biscuit on the nose.
Taste - Interesting is a good word for it. This is a malty beer, for sure. A good amount of buttery biscuit comes through. I also get some honey notes on this beer. There's a slight bitterness on the backside, from the hops I presume, that provides an offset to the slight sweetness.
Pretty solid body. Nice and thick. The beer coats my throat a bit as it goes down.
Very interesting beer, and a pleasure to try.

Appearance: Pours a mostly clear, deep orange color with a mild white head. SRM of 12. (3.75)

Aroma: Strong aromas of honey, maple syrup, brown bread, crust, and sweet strudel off the end. Slightly toasted. (4.00)

Flavor: Moderate flavors of sweet honey, syrup, strong caramel. Some bready flavors. Slightly toasted. More honey and caramel than anything. Leans sweet off the end. (3.75)

Feel: Heavier-bodied. Mediocre carbonation. Feel is heavier and sweet. (3.50)

Overall: Cannot say I've never had a "blonde" doppelbock before this one. Pours as expected. The aromas were actually similar to a doppelbock. Then on the flavor is leaned more toward a Maibock. Maybe slightly more toasted along the lines of an "imperial" Marzen. Sweet, slightly stickier, and heavy. (Rating: 3.79)

 

 

 

Update. 2020 batch wasn't very good about a 3.78/5

2018 batch bottles. Pours a clear straw golden color. not much head and what little there is dissipates fast.

Smells good, Toasted bread and honey.

taste : toasted bread, butter and honey, touch of caramel/toffee, micro amount of hop spice. Sweet and smooth. 7.8 ABV very well hidden.

A solid Mai Bock, a heavy duty version of the style flavor wise
I changed my score 4.06 in 2018, retested in 2019

 

 

 

 

From a single into a willbecher, pours a clear light glowing rusty sienna with a thin foamy white head that subsides without much lacing. Nose brings lots of sweet breadiness, a little toffee, some light grassy notes too. Taste follows but doesn't quite have the depth. Lively feel with medium body and carb.