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EKU 28 Doppelbock

Kulmbacher Brauerei
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🌍 Germany · Doppelbock · One of 42 Doppelbocks in hopIQ

EKU 28 is a powerful Bavarian Doppelbock brewed by Kulmbach, one of Germany's strongest beers with a rich, malty character and warming alcohol content. Its dark amber color and complex flavor profile make it a premium offering that showcases traditional German brewing excellence.

ABV
13%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
dark22
See all Doppelbock alternatives →

AWARDS

Gold · 2025
World Beer Awards 2025
Dark Beer Strong
★Gold — World Beer Awards 2025 (Dark Beer Strong)
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Full body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Gently sweet notes.
drysweet
Bitterness
Soft bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Somewhat creamy mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Full-bodied and gently sweet.

Weight and sugar move together, the pour rolling slow while richness compounds on the palate.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Doppelbock.
Malt character
malty
caramel
toasty
Distinctive notes
dark fruit

FEATURED IN

#3 of 50The Best German Strong Beers→

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for EKU 28 Doppelbock

◎ Appearance

EKU 28 displays a deep dark amber to mahogany hue, characteristic of a traditional Bavarian Doppelbock. The beer presents excellent clarity with a thick, creamy off-white head that demonstrates impressive retention. The rich coloration and dense foam suggest a well-crafted, premium lager with substantial malt character.

dark ambermahoganycreamy headbrilliant clarity

◌ Aroma

The nose reveals a complex bouquet of toasted malt, caramel, and subtle dark fruit notes with hints of bread crust and toffee. The alcohol warmth is noticeable but well-integrated, adding depth without being harsh or acetone-like. Traditional German lager yeast character rounds out the aromatic profile with soft, noble undertones.

caramel maltdark fruittoasted breadwarming alcohol

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a rich, full-bodied malt sweetness dominated by caramel and toffee notes, followed by subtle dark fruit flavors in the mid-palate. The smooth, creamy texture coats the mouth beautifully, while the 13% ABV provides a gentle warming sensation that enhances rather than overwhelms. Minimal bitterness allows the malt complexity to shine throughout, finishing with lingering sweetness.

malty sweetnesscaramel forwardfull-bodiedsmooth alcohol warmth

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with residual sweetness and subtle dark fruit notes persisting pleasantly on the palate. The alcohol's gentle heat provides a satisfying conclusion that invites contemplative sipping rather than quick consumption.

lingering sweetnesswarming finishcomplex aftertaste
87
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
88
Appearance
86
Finish
84
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of EKU 28 Doppelbock

Serve at 9–12°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 9–12°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with EKU 28 Doppelbock

About Doppelbock

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Doppelbock?

Bocks are strong German lagers with 6.5–7.5% ABV. Rich malt sweetness — toast, chocolate, caramel — with low bitterness and a warming finish.

Finding a similar Doppelbock

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same rich, malty, toasty character as EKU 28 Doppelbock will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Doppelbocks in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all Doppelbock beers in hopIQ →Browse Germany beers →