Doppelbock
Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

I first tried this in 2013 in a bottle and was underwhelmed (3.5)
Tonight (1/9/2026) I had again. This time on tap at Ramshead Tavern/ Fordham Brewery. Much more impressed. Beer was poured in a fluted 375 ml glass; filled for volume not for head/appearance. Body however was a deep rich red mahogany as hoped. Nice ruby highlights to light. Nose was rich and malty with dark fruit. Taste mirrored and reminded of true German double bock. Big dark malt; dark fruit, hints of licorice, leather. Body was characteristically medium full and smooth with light but still refreshing carbonation; very nice for a lager/ just right for this style.
Overall a very enjoyable true to style Dopplebock. Nice job.

 

This poured out as a very dark brown color. The head was a cream color, the retention and lacing are minimal. The smell of the beer had a slight roasted aroma along some earthy yeast and hop aromas. The taste of this beer had some caramel notes as well as the subtle grassy and roasted flavors. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with a dry carbonation to it. Overall the beer is good, I would like it to be a little fuller in body. It's a good brew though and glad I tried it.

 

My man, local in-person trader, Tone77 brought this by for me and I see that his review will be right below mine. Many thanks!

From the bottle: "Dark & rich with a big beer taste, Doppelbock is an exceptionally smooth, full-bodied dark lager with a bold character that is sure to brighten your spirits. Doppelbock is brewed with strict adherence to the Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516."

I got a finger of fizzy, mocha-brown head from my pour, but alack and alas, it did not hold up for very long. Color was a deep dark-brown with ruby/garnet highlights. Nose was rich and malty, very caramel and chocolate. Mouthfeel was medium and the taste was initially hot, followed by a rich caramel flavor that I began to doubt my sanity at having begun the day with this one. Warming, it took on more of a toffee/molasses flavor. The heat remained evident on the finish and I was beginning to contemplate lying back down after this. Proceed with caution at your own risk!

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a very dark brown color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is malty, some sweetness. Taste is also big on malts, bready, some caramel, alcohol is present. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall makes for a quality beer.

Clear and brown with a slight tawny collar and a skim of fine bubbles coating the surface. Grainy aroma with notes of caramel sweetness. Low bitterness up front with significant sweetness and a hint of hops in the background. Full bodied and decent texture. Overall it's pretty good.

 

The label says 8.4% and bottled on 11/14/11. It has some of the traditional dark fruit and caramel malt aroma, with a licorice edge. But the flavor is a little more American and clean, with toffee and a little cocoa barley over a hint of cherry. As the beer warms, I taste some higher alcohols, but otherwise this is a fine stab at the doppelbock style. I'd drink it alongside a Spaten Optimator any day (though this has more body.

 

 

 

 

 

A - Medium dark reddish brown with 1-1/2 finger head of tight off white quickly dissipating bubbles. Some lacing and minimal alcohol legs.

S - Sweet malty caramel flavor with a slightly tart finish and an alcohol kick.

T - Malty, sweet, with caramel, prunes, spices and figs.

M - Medium carbonation, with a medium-thin body. Could be a bit fuller.

O - This no Ayinger Celebrator but it is a decent representation of the style. Annapolis is my hangout and I do like the Ram's Head and Fordam beer. Give this one a try at the brew pub in December on tap if you are in town. It is better than its bottled version.