BJCP 9B · Strong European Beer
Eisbock
A dark bock concentrated by freezing: dense, liqueur-like and warming, with intense malt and dark fruit. One to sip slowly, like an after-dinner drink.
Eisbock by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 9.0 – 14.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 18 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 18 – 30 SRM35–59 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.078 – 1.120on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.020 – 1.035on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Eisbock is like
A very strong, concentrated dark lager with full body and intense malt flavor, dark fruit notes and clear but smooth alcohol warmth. It's made by partially freezing a bock or Doppelbock and removing the ice, which concentrates all the flavors. It's a beer for sipping.
Appearance
Deep copper to dark brown, often with ruby highlights, and clear. Little ivory to tan head that fades quickly because of the alcohol.
Aroma
Very rich malt with caramel, toasted bread and dark fruit like plums, raisins or grapes. The alcohol is clearly noticeable but clean; the hops don't show up.
Flavor
Concentrated, sweet, deep malt with dark fruit, caramel and some soft toast. The alcohol brings warmth and balance, and the bitterness is low. The finish ranges from semi-sweet to slightly dry thanks to the alcohol, with no solvent notes.
Mouthfeel
Full body and dense texture. Low carbonation and clear alcohol warmth, never harsh.
Where Eisbock comes from
According to tradition, it was born in Kulmbach, in Bavaria, when some barrels of bock froze in winter and someone tasted the concentrated liquid left behind. Since then it's been made by freezing the beer on purpose.
Ingredients
The same as a Doppelbock or dark bock: Munich and Vienna malt, with some debittered dark malt. German noble hops for bittering. Clean lager yeast. The freezing method is what defines the style.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Eisbock at home
First brew a very clean, well-lagered dark Doppelbock, because freezing also concentrates any flaw. Partially freeze it, separate the ice and then carbonate it patiently, to low levels. The typical mistake is starting from a beer with diacetyl or fusel alcohols: once frozen, the flaw is magnified.
Food pairing
Enjoy it with blue cheeses, nut cake or a good dark chocolate.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Kulmbacher Eisbock
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Eisbock?
Between 9.0% and 14.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a very high strength.
How bitter is Eisbock?
It has 18 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Eisbock?
Brown to black: 18 to 30 SRM (35 to 59 EBC).
What food pairs well with Eisbock?
Enjoy it with blue cheeses, nut cake or a good dark chocolate.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Doppelbock and Old Ale.
If you like Eisbock, try these
Classification and statistics: official Eisbock guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.