It is almost impossible to spend time talking about bocks and dopplebocks without talking about the original dopplebock. Paulaner Salvator is the beer given credit for starting the dopplebock substyle.
Originally brewed in 1773, this was the beer that the Paulaner monks would subsist on during their lenten fast. That was the idea of it all. The beer was brewed to a higher starting gravity and finished with a higher terminal gravity. This gave the beer more body and also increased its calorie count and nutrients. Salvator (meaning salvation) was the monk’s saving grace during the month they were not allowed normal food.
It was in 1896 that the monks trademarked the Salvator name. Despite the trademark dopplebocks still carry the suffix -ator in honor of this great beer.
This beer pours a deep copper with a voluminous (say it with me vol um i (wait for it) nous) head. The first thing that hits you is the huge blast of fig in the nose. And then you take the first sip. Again, fig, but mixed with chocolate and caramel and toffee.
At 7% alcohol it does not carry any alcohol warmth. But the body makes up for that. It isn’t quite chewy. While at the same time this beer is far from watery. There is quite a bit of sweetness but it isn’t cloying. With all due respect to the monks who gave us this gift, the beer is like a love affair in your mouth. It is sweet and a bit sinful but over so quickly. I mean this in a good way of course. I mean don’t expect the beer to be killing your rabbits and cooking them on your stove top.
If I were to pair this beer with food right now, I would opt for a classic tiramisu. The flavors would complement each other and the subtle differences would allow them to dance and play on your tongue.
Time for a pint…
10th Day Brewing 
"…like a love affair in your mouth. It is sweet and a bit sinful but over so quickly." I'm sold! This is a post I can relate to. Love it. Those lucky monks. Not a bad way to fast. I love figs. I hated Fig Newtons as a kid, but my husband's parents have a fig tree and I fell in love with fresh figs. I can definitely get into this beer. I'm hoping it's sold out here, too. Thanks for another fabulous post.
I don't drink beer anymore because of the gluten but boy oh boy does this one sound inviting! I love fig… and chocolate and caramel.. Can it get any better? Thank you for sharing this beer in such a luscious way!
I could never get into fig newtons either. Apple newtons were a bit better but still not something I would seek out. Actual figs have become a sweet treat for us over the past few years. I have had them both dried and fresh and find them enjoyable either way.
I have never really been a fan of chocolate in and of itself. But when you hit caramel, you hit a hot button for me. When I find flavor notes of chocolate in beer I do enjoy them. But this goes back to my need to have chocolate mixed with something else to enjoy it.
I forgot to mention this as well. There have been a number of gluten free beers popping up of late. It isn't something I have sampled yet but there are breweries that are making strides to accomodate those with intolerance issues.
This beer actually sounds good to me. The flavors you described almost reminds me of a dessert. Is there such thing as a "dessert" beer like they have dessert wines?
Oh, yum… Now I'll be in search of this bock. I love the history of it as well. 🙂
There isn't a category like there is for wine. But with the range of flavors and beer's superior ability to pair with foods, it can be easy to find a beer to pair with any dessert.
This one is on my favorites list. Paulaner also makes a fantastic Oktoberfest.
Beer that goes well with tiramisu? Sign me up!