Hofbräu Winter Spezial
Hofbräuhaus München
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Bock - Doppelbock
Ranked #111 - ABV:
- 8.4%
- Score:
- 86
Ranked #25,132 - Avg:
- 3.83 | pDev: 14.36%
- Reviews:
- 45
- Ratings:
- From:
- Hofbräuhaus München
- Germany
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 3
- Gots
- 17
SCORE
86
Very Good
86
Very Good
Notes:
2012 Version was a Helles Bock
2015+ Version is a Doppelbock
2015+ Version is a Doppelbock
Reviews: 45
| Ratings: 116
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Reviews by thebeers:
thebeers from Pennsylvania
4.14/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Clear dark amber with a large, rocky, tan head with good retention. Sloppy sheets of lacing.
Rich, sweet dark malts in the nose — molasses and cherry mainly — with a light Christmas spice impression (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger).
Slightly lighter tasting, but with the same basic elements from the aroma. Sweet, cherry-laden malt and a nice addition of spice. Hints of bread and cocoa as well.
Medium bodied, slick feel with strong, soft carbonation.
This is a great, highly-drinkable Christmas beer. Plenty of depth, while still very quaffable. Excellent stuff.
Dec 06, 2020
4.14/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Clear dark amber with a large, rocky, tan head with good retention. Sloppy sheets of lacing.
Rich, sweet dark malts in the nose — molasses and cherry mainly — with a light Christmas spice impression (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger).
Slightly lighter tasting, but with the same basic elements from the aroma. Sweet, cherry-laden malt and a nice addition of spice. Hints of bread and cocoa as well.
Medium bodied, slick feel with strong, soft carbonation.
This is a great, highly-drinkable Christmas beer. Plenty of depth, while still very quaffable. Excellent stuff.
Dec 06, 2020
More User Reviews:
KS_Augsburg from Illinois
3.74/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
This winter special pours an amazing clear and dark amber, almost mahagony color with a thick, caramel color foamy head. There is substantial lacing on the sides if the glass - this was poured from the bottle into a Teku. What is amazing with this one is how hidden the alcohol is. At an ABV of 8.4% this is certainly not a light weight, but the alcohol never gets out front and center. Always well balanced, quite light and easy drinking if you relate it to the high ABV. You will want another one, and for me personally, two is the most I will have of this excellent seasonal.
Nov 17, 2019
3.74/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
This winter special pours an amazing clear and dark amber, almost mahagony color with a thick, caramel color foamy head. There is substantial lacing on the sides if the glass - this was poured from the bottle into a Teku. What is amazing with this one is how hidden the alcohol is. At an ABV of 8.4% this is certainly not a light weight, but the alcohol never gets out front and center. Always well balanced, quite light and easy drinking if you relate it to the high ABV. You will want another one, and for me personally, two is the most I will have of this excellent seasonal.
Nov 17, 2019
Jacobier10 from New Jersey
3.83/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
11.2 oz green bottle. A little confusion about this one as I've seen reviews describing a lighter beer than the one I have in front of me. My bottle reads 8.4% ABV and has the name "DELICATOR" on the back label.
It pours a murky, deep ruby-brown color with a giant, rocky, tan head that rises well above the lip of the glass. Took me about 5 mins to pour the entire bottle into my glass.
Aroma is a bit subdued but comprised of toasted malt and plums. Rich, sweet malt flavor with a sharp bite at the end from the hops.
Medium-full bodied with a luscious, creamy texture. Heavy sweetness that borders on cloying, but it's so clean and smooth that the sweetness avoids becoming excessive.
Tasty brew and I'm glad I didn't fall victim to the green bottle skunk monster that has plagued me in various other Hofbräu beers.
Dec 31, 2016
3.83/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
11.2 oz green bottle. A little confusion about this one as I've seen reviews describing a lighter beer than the one I have in front of me. My bottle reads 8.4% ABV and has the name "DELICATOR" on the back label.
It pours a murky, deep ruby-brown color with a giant, rocky, tan head that rises well above the lip of the glass. Took me about 5 mins to pour the entire bottle into my glass.
Aroma is a bit subdued but comprised of toasted malt and plums. Rich, sweet malt flavor with a sharp bite at the end from the hops.
Medium-full bodied with a luscious, creamy texture. Heavy sweetness that borders on cloying, but it's so clean and smooth that the sweetness avoids becoming excessive.
Tasty brew and I'm glad I didn't fall victim to the green bottle skunk monster that has plagued me in various other Hofbräu beers.
Dec 31, 2016
spartan1979 from Missouri
4.36/5 rDev +13.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This has to be a different beer than the reviews from 2+ years ago as it's a beautiful cooper color, rich and malty, 8.4% ABV with plenty of melanoidin flavor and hints of dried fruits. The back label says "Munich Specialty/DELICATOR" which indicates to me that it's a Doppelbock. Very tasty. If you haven't had this in while, it's worth revisiting.
From a bottle purchased on 11-25-15,
Nov 29, 2015
4.36/5 rDev +13.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This has to be a different beer than the reviews from 2+ years ago as it's a beautiful cooper color, rich and malty, 8.4% ABV with plenty of melanoidin flavor and hints of dried fruits. The back label says "Munich Specialty/DELICATOR" which indicates to me that it's a Doppelbock. Very tasty. If you haven't had this in while, it's worth revisiting.
From a bottle purchased on 11-25-15,
Nov 29, 2015
RichardARoss from Wisconsin
3.92/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Feb 22, 2016
3.92/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Feb 22, 2016
SSGCujo from Wisconsin
4/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Mar 22, 2017
4/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Mar 22, 2017
VoxRationis from New York
4.21/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured a cloudy orangy-brown porter color. One inch, head withhold lacing and sweet malty nose. Drank smooth with hints of caramel and orange. Medium, nicely balanced body.
I wasn't expecting nearly as much from this beer as it delivered. Would drink/serve/recommend it again.
Jan 31, 2017
4.21/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured a cloudy orangy-brown porter color. One inch, head withhold lacing and sweet malty nose. Drank smooth with hints of caramel and orange. Medium, nicely balanced body.
I wasn't expecting nearly as much from this beer as it delivered. Would drink/serve/recommend it again.
Jan 31, 2017
Satorn from Florida
3.85/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
May 26, 2017
3.85/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
May 26, 2017
NeckBootHeadAss from Virginia
3/5 rDev -21.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Jan 06, 2019
3/5 rDev -21.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Jan 06, 2019
Kwright from North Carolina
4.25/5 rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jun 27, 2018
4.25/5 rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jun 27, 2018
Captain69 from Illinois
4/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
GOOD WINTER MARZEN STYLE - COULD HAVE NORE FLAVOR
Jul 03, 2018
4/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
GOOD WINTER MARZEN STYLE - COULD HAVE NORE FLAVOR
Jul 03, 2018
ProNR from New York
3.4/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Jan 20, 2019
3.4/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Jan 20, 2019
O-Meg from New York
3.67/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Jan 09, 2019
3.67/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Jan 09, 2019
purplegirl from Wisconsin
3.79/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Nice malt taste, good light brown head and at 8.4%, is very drinkable for a winter beer!
Mar 14, 2019
3.79/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Nice malt taste, good light brown head and at 8.4%, is very drinkable for a winter beer!
Mar 14, 2019
Branlott42 from Missouri
4.07/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dec 31, 2019
4.07/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dec 31, 2019
jmdrpi from Pennsylvania
3.65/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
330 ml green bottle
pours a fairly dark brown color, cream colored head. dark caramel malt aroma. similar flavor, but mostly one-one, not a lot of depth to the flavor. thin to medium bodied.
Dec 11, 2019
3.65/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
330 ml green bottle
pours a fairly dark brown color, cream colored head. dark caramel malt aroma. similar flavor, but mostly one-one, not a lot of depth to the flavor. thin to medium bodied.
Dec 11, 2019
BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
4.09/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Taste: spiced dark bread, chocolate malt, caramel, some spicy hops. Same with the nose. Dark mahogany HUE, SEMI CLEAR, TAN FOAMY HEAD, SOME LACE. medium/FULL BODY. Robust and flavorful.
Jan 28, 2020
4.09/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Taste: spiced dark bread, chocolate malt, caramel, some spicy hops. Same with the nose. Dark mahogany HUE, SEMI CLEAR, TAN FOAMY HEAD, SOME LACE. medium/FULL BODY. Robust and flavorful.
Jan 28, 2020
Jack65 from Pennsylvania
3.64/5 rDev -5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Feb 06, 2021
3.64/5 rDev -5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Feb 06, 2021
bsp77 from Minnesota
3.98/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
May 13, 2020
3.98/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
May 13, 2020
EdmundBlackadder from Ohio
3.69/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Jan 18, 2020
3.69/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Jan 18, 2020
cryptichead from Illinois
3.75/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Feb 09, 2020
3.75/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Feb 09, 2020
Bluecrow from New York
3.93/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
-optically clear mahogany colored bottle pour with a 2 cm cap of fine, tan foam.
The aroma is provides a wisp of toffee.
The flavor features toasted malt, sweet caramel and woody hop notes.
The brew is light-bodied and finishes smoothly. This is very good. The 8.4% abv is well-hidden.
Dec 05, 2020
3.93/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
-optically clear mahogany colored bottle pour with a 2 cm cap of fine, tan foam.
The aroma is provides a wisp of toffee.
The flavor features toasted malt, sweet caramel and woody hop notes.
The brew is light-bodied and finishes smoothly. This is very good. The 8.4% abv is well-hidden.
Dec 05, 2020
Lembeh from New York
4.51/5 rDev +17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great companion on a cold winters night is this spezial. If you like doppelbacks you will like this one. Classic roasted malts with a hint of sweetness with plenty of lager characteristics. Drink 2 of these to guarantee yourself a good evening.
Feb 14, 2020
4.51/5 rDev +17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great companion on a cold winters night is this spezial. If you like doppelbacks you will like this one. Classic roasted malts with a hint of sweetness with plenty of lager characteristics. Drink 2 of these to guarantee yourself a good evening.
Feb 14, 2020
BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
3.79/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From the bottle, it pours a clear brown with red highlights and a modest soon-reducing-to a thin layer off-white head. In the nose, it is roasted malts and a touch of caramel. In the mouth, the same. Note the alcohol content - be careful!
Nov 29, 2020
3.79/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From the bottle, it pours a clear brown with red highlights and a modest soon-reducing-to a thin layer off-white head. In the nose, it is roasted malts and a touch of caramel. In the mouth, the same. Note the alcohol content - be careful!
Nov 29, 2020
ejimhof from Pennsylvania
3/5 rDev -21.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Oct 20, 2020
3/5 rDev -21.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Oct 20, 2020
Hofbräu Winter Spezial from Hofbräuhaus München
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
116 ratings
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