BJCP 2021 / 9B
Eisbock
An intense, warming, sipping lager concentrated by freezing out ice.
- Ages well
- very high strength
- amber color
- bottom fermented
- lagered
Serve: 50 to 55F, Snifter
OG1.120
1.078 to 1.120FG1.030
1.020 to 1.035IBU120
25 to 35SRM40
17 to 30ABV14%
9.0 to 14.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Intense dark fruit, caramel and toast
- Sweet alcohol warmth that stays smooth
- No hop
- Vague
- Boozy
- Better
- Rich malt with plum and alcohol
- Best
- Intense plum, raisin, toast and caramel aroma with smooth sweet alcohol warmth, no hop
Appearance
3 pts- Deep copper to dark brown
- Clear
- Little head, may be thin
- Vague
- Dark
- Better
- Brown with ruby edges
- Best
- Deep copper to dark brown with ruby edges, clear, off-white head that dissipates quickly
Flavor
20 pts- Concentrated bread, caramel and dark fruit
- Rich sweetness with a smooth alcohol warmth
- Low bitterness, long finish
- Vague
- Strong
- Better
- Rich dark fruit and warmth
- Best
- Intense toasted malt, plum and caramel with smooth alcohol warmth, low bitterness, long sweet-leaning finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Full body
- Low carbonation
- Thick, creamy, notable warmth
- Vague
- Thick
- Better
- Full body, warming
- Best
- Full and thick body, very smooth, strong alcohol warmth that stays gentle, low carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Integrated alcohol
- Concentrated malt
Drops it
- Burning alcohol
- Oxidation beyond sherry
Writing tip
Report the heat honestly. Example: 'Concentrated plum and toast with smooth alcohol warmth. Warm but not harsh.'
Pour these
- Kulmbacher EisbockKulmbacher ReichelbräuA classic: thick, sweet and warming
- EisphyleCapital BreweryUS take with a dark-fruit centre
Often confused with
- 9A DoppelbockDoppelbock is thinner and lower in alcohol
- 17D English BarleywineEnglish Barleywine is hoppier and ale-fruity
Fine here
- Alcoholic: Warming strength is expected
- Oxidized: A trace of sherry is tolerated
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Acetone or nail polish alcohol
- Diacetyl: Butter
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.