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BJCP 2021 / 6C

Dunkles Bock

A strong, malty, dark lager that tastes like toasted bread and dark fruit.

  • Any age
  • high strength
  • amber color
  • bottom fermented
  • lagered

Serve: 46 to 50F, Tulip or snifter

OG1.120
1.064 to 1.072
FG1.030
1.013 to 1.019
IBU120
20 to 27
SRM40
14 to 22
ABV14%
6.3 to 7.2%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Rich bread and toast
  • Dark fruit and light caramel
  • A bit of warmth from alcohol
Vague
Rich
Better
Toasty malt with some dark fruit
Best
Moderate-high toasted bread and light dark-fruit aroma, faint chocolate, mild alcohol warmth, no hop

Appearance

3 pts
  • Deep copper to dark brown
  • Clear with ruby highlights
  • Off-white head
Vague
Brown
Better
Deep copper and clear
Best
Deep copper to brown, ruby edges, clear, creamy off-white head

Flavor

20 pts
  • Rich toast, caramel and a hint of chocolate
  • Malt dominates with low hop
  • Smooth warming finish
Vague
Malty
Better
Toasty, rich and smooth
Best
Moderate-high toasted bread and caramel malt with a hint of dark fruit, low bitterness, smooth slightly sweet finish with mild warmth

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-full body
  • Medium carbonation
  • Smooth and gently warming
Vague
Smooth
Better
Medium-full body and warming
Best
Medium-full body, smooth and creamy, mild warmth, medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Depth
  • Clean strength

Drops it

  • Cloying sweetness
  • Hot alcohol
  • Oxidation

Writing tip

Weigh malt depth against drinkability. Example: 'Rich toasted malt and dark fruit with a smooth warm finish. Slightly more bitterness would lighten it.'

Pour these

  • Ur-Bock DunkelEinbeckerToasty and slightly sweet
  • Rockefeller BockGreat Lakes BrewingA US bock with caramel and toast

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Alcoholic: A mild warmth fits the strength
  • Oxidized: A faint sherry note is tolerated in older bocks

Ruinous here

  • Diacetyl: Butter
  • Solvent: Hot fusel alcohol
  • Astringent: Harsh tannins

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.