Hofbrau Winter Spezial / Delicator

I bought a 5 liter and a six pack. First time I’ve ever tried a dopplebock this blew me away. I’ve been buying every dopplebock I can get my hands on ever since.

 

Come on guys, I almost bought some the other day and didn’t. Now I’m under pre surgery quarantine and probably won’t be able to beer shop for a week or so. This is on my purchase list now.

 

Cant find it in my area, unfortunately.

 

Just found fresh Spezial (Delicator) in an unlikely spot and couldn't pass it up.

As a Doppelbock, this beer touches all the bases. Now, why isn't it labeled as Delicator (it is on the back label, not on the front)? And why is it listed, basically, twice here at BA -- and at 2 different ABVs?

The last I checked HB's website it wasn't listed there -- I know they can't keep this beer from the good people of Munich and only export it, can they? An enigma wrapped in a beer.

 

I'd be lying if I said I remembered my first Doppelbock, but it was probably an Optimator -- there's plenty to look for!

 

Just cracked my first one of the season earlier this week and couldn't agree more. Almost forgot how much I like it. Very drinkable for its strength.

I can't complain about the selection of doppelbock in my area. In addition to Höfbrau we get Ayinger Celebrator, Paulaner Salvator, Spaten Optimator, Weihenstephaner Korbinian, Andechs, and Augustiner Maximator. That's enough to get me through the colder months. Prost!

 

7 posts on one of the most delicious seasonals available. Sort'a sad.

Good thing it isn't an IPA, we'd have probably broken the internet.

 

When I first tried this one, I got a light Christmas spice impression in the aroma (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger). Was that a psychosomatic figment of my imagination, or anyone else get something like that? (I swear I never got any spice in Celebration Ale.)

 

I think you saw "Winter" on the label and it sparked some weird brain cells.

My impression was all pumpernickel in the nose.

 

No Hofbräu locally so I can't jump in and join the party.

 

No? I thought their current distribution was covering a pretty wide swath. Sorry to hear.

 

This is one of the best beers and one of my favorites, seasonal or not. I'm happy you found it.

 

since winter spezial I have tried troegenator pretty good but not as good as hofbrau. I have ayinger celebrator and korbinian on deck. I also picked up a local dopplebock from port city brewing.

 

I had it two weeks ago for the first time, excellent beer. Will definitely pick this up every holiday season.

 

Can't say I've picked up on any of those before. I get a lot of bready, toasted malt, and the slightest bit of dark fruit (raisins), but nothing in the way of Christmas spices.

 

I mostly get molasses bread, distant cherry cough syrup and cocoa. But I swear there’s a baked-in undertone of ginger or clove or something.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

I wonder if you're getting pepperiness from the alcohol?

 

I looked yesterday at one of my favorite stores but came up empty. I did score some Short's Spruce Pilsner, so kind of a holiday beer.

 

It's weird because I found it at a local grocery chain that usually doesn't carry HB.

I also saw it announced at the Chicago area chain liquor retailer (Binny's).