It's only mid-December, but we're firmly in the season of winter beer offerings. From traditional winter styles to more innovative creations brimming with spices or chocolate, there's no shortage of heartier, stronger, fuller-bodied beers to help keep you warm this time of year. One of my favorite traditional winter styles is a classic German Doppelbock, and there's no better brewery to produce it than one that's truly authentic. In Denver, we're lucky to have a German-style brewery that fits the bill. Prost Brewing uses only hops and malt from Germany, and boasts large brewhouse copper kettles that were previously used for almost 50 years in Germany. Not surprisingly, every beer that Prost puts out is true to style, and very delicious.
In keeping with German brewing history and tradition, the majority of Prost's lineup are lagers, including the winter seasonal Doppelbock. Due to the nature of having such an authentic brewhouse, Prost, which was founded in 2012, has a relatively high brewing capacity. They can brew about 60 barrels of beer per batch, with fermentation capacity that includes several 80 barrel fermenters and a 120 barrel fermenter. Prost also has several large horizontal lagering tanks which hold the beer at low temperatures after fermentation in the large vertical tanks. While this is all happening behind the scenes in the Prost brewhouse, guests enjoy their authentic German-style beer in the festive biergarten taproom or patio. If you're not able to actually go and enjoy the atmosphere and beer, Prost bottles a handful of their beers, including seasonals like Doppelbock, for retail in Colorado stores.
Prost's Doppelbock, which is a traditional double bock lager, measures up to some of the best you'll find from Bavaria, such as Paulaner's Salvator or Ayinger's Celebrator. It pours a deep, rich amber color with minimal foam. Though it's dark in color, there's very good clarity from the long lagering process. Doppelbock exudes a malty, sweet aroma of bread crusts, raisins, plums, and a hint of chocolate. The flavors are a complex, delightful combination of dark fruits like cherries, raisins, plums, and prunes, some caramel and chocolate. It's a hearty, medium to full-bodied beer with a chewy mouthfeel that delivers rich flavors without being too sweet. There's no hop bitterness, but enough noble hops presence to add a touch of spice on the back end.
As you make your way through the festive variety of winter beers available to you this season, keep your eye out for traditional styles like Prost's Doppelbock. A well-made Doppelbock can help you appreciate this style's history, discover another layer of malty goodness, and satisfy your soul.
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