Ayinger’s Celebrator is regularly named one of the best beers in the world, and it earns it. It is a doppelbock, a strong dark lager style the Bavarian monks brewed to sustain them through fasting, and it is a masterclass in rich, smooth, malty depth. It even comes with a little plastic goat charm around the neck. I picked one up for this guide.
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock at a glance
| Style | Doppelbock |
| ABV | 6.7% |
| Calories | Around 230 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Ayinger, Aying, Germany |
| Character | Chocolate, dark fruit, toasted malt, silky |
| Best served | Lightly chilled, in a goblet |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a rich, malt-driven dark lager, smooth and deep rather than sweet or heavy.
The full review
It pours a deep, dark chestnut-brown with ruby edges and a creamy tan head. The aroma is gorgeous, rich toasted malt, dark chocolate, raisin and a touch of caramel.
The flavour is deep and silky. Layers of chocolate, dark fruit, toffee and toasted bread roll across a full, smooth body, with just enough gentle bitterness and a clean lager finish to keep it from being cloying. At 6.7% it is warming without being hot.
The magic is how effortless it feels. For all that richness it drinks incredibly smoothly, a proper lager underneath all the depth. It is the kind of beer that makes you slow down and pay attention.
If you have never had a doppelbock, start here. It is one of the finest dark lagers brewed anywhere and a genuine world classic.
Celebrator is regularly named one of the best beers in the world, and it earns it.
- A genuine world-class dark lager
- Rich chocolate and dark fruit depth
- Silky smooth despite its strength
- The definitive doppelbock
- Rich, so a sipper not a session beer
- Comes with a slightly gimmicky goat charm
Who it is for
If you love rich, malty dark beers or want to taste a world-class doppelbock, Celebrator is essential. Perfect for cold evenings and slow sipping.
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock FAQs
What is a doppelbock?
A doppelbock is a strong, dark German lager style, originally brewed by monks as liquid bread for fasting. It is rich, malty and smooth, with flavours of chocolate, dark fruit and toasted malt, and usually 6.5% to 8% ABV.
What does Ayinger Celebrator taste like?
Rich toasted malt, dark chocolate, raisin and toffee over a full, silky body, with a clean lager finish. It is deep and warming but drinks remarkably smoothly.
Why does Celebrator come with a little goat?
The doppelbock style is associated with the word bock, which means billy goat in German, so Ayinger hangs a small plastic goat charm on each bottle as a nod to the tradition.
Where to buy Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
Ayinger Celebrator is available in bottles across much of the US. Buy it using the button above and sip it slowly.
The verdict
Ayinger Celebrator is one of the world’s great dark beers, a rich, silky doppelbock of real depth that somehow still drinks smoothly. A genuine classic and a must-try.
FAQs
Who makes Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock?
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock is brewed by Ayinger (independently, family-owned by the Inselkammer family).
What kind of beer is Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock?
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock is a Doppelbock, at 6.7% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock?
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock has an ABV of 6.7%.
How many calories are in Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock?
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock has Around 230 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock made?
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock is brewed by Ayinger in Aying, Germany. For more from that country, see our best Germany beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock?
If you can’t find Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock, Spaten Optimator is a close alternative in the same Doppelbock category.
How do I open Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock?
Lightly chilled, in a goblet. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
