BJCP 6C · Amber Malty European Lager
Dunkles Bock
A strong dark bock, rich in Munich malt with toasted bread and melanoidins, and restrained bitterness. No roast and a clean finish.
Dunkles Bock by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.3 – 7.2%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 27 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 14 – 22 SRM28–43 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.064 – 1.072on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.013 – 1.019on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Dunkles Bock is like
A strong dark lager dominated by rich, toasty malt with bread and crust flavors, some sweetness and restrained bitterness. The alcohol is barely noticeable and the finish is clean.
Appearance
Light copper to brown, often with garnet highlights, and clear. Creamy, long-lasting off-white head.
Aroma
Intense malt with toasted bread, crust and melanoidins, sometimes with a slight touch of chocolate or caramel. Hops almost absent and soft alcohol.
Flavor
Rich, complex malt with toasted bread and some sweetness, low bitterness that only balances and a slightly sweet to dry finish. It shouldn't have roasted, burnt or cloying caramel flavors.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full body, smooth, moderate to low carbonation and a light alcohol warmth.
Where Dunkles Bock comes from
Bock was born in Einbeck, in northern Germany, and became popular in Munich in the 17th century, where brewers made it as a dark lager. The name comes from the Bavarian pronunciation of Einbeck.
Ingredients
Munich malt as the base, often with Vienna, some pilsner and a little caramel or roasted malt for color. German noble hops and German lager yeast. It's traditionally decoction mashed.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Dunkles Bock at home
Use mostly Munich malt and add a very small amount of debittered dark malt to adjust the color without adding roast. Make a big starter, ferment at 9-11 °C (48-52 °F), do a diacetyl rest and lager cold for two months or more. Carbonate to 2.2-2.4 volumes; the typical mistake is an incomplete fermentation that leaves the beer heavy and sweet.
Food pairing
Goes well with roast meats, game stews or aged cheeses.
Glassware: beer mug (stein), big and with a handle, as in German and Czech beer halls.
Classic examples
- Einbecker Ur-Bock Dunkel
- Aass Bock
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Dunkles Bock?
Between 6.3% and 7.2% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Dunkles Bock?
It has 20 to 27 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Dunkles Bock?
Copper to dark brown: 14 to 22 SRM (28 to 43 EBC).
What food pairs well with Dunkles Bock?
Goes well with roast meats, game stews or aged cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Doppelbock, Helles Bock and Schwarzbier.
If you like Dunkles Bock, try these
Classification and statistics: official Dunkles Bock guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.