Head To Head: Paulaner Salvator vs. Ayinger Celebrator

Welcome to another Head to Head challenge. Today we have two Doppelbocks from Germany. The first is the Paulaner Salvator. The second is the Ayinger Celebrator.

As usual the tasting was done blind and to style.

Appearance: Winner – Tie

Salvator – This pours a nice rich amber with a large frothy off-white head. The head slowly diminishes leaving a trace of lace on the glass.

Celebrator – Pours a dark reddish brown with a large tan head. The head lasts a bit longer and leaves a similar amount of lace.

Aroma: Winner – Celebrator

Salvator – There is a lot of sweetness in the aroma. Some hints of candy.

Celebrator – This is also very sweet but has a bit more depth. There are hints of caramel and a slight roasted aroma and some hints of fruit.

Taste: Winner – Celebrator

Salvator – As in the aroma the sweetness dominates with a nce caramel taste.

Celebrator – This has more complexity with some plum, chocolate, and a hint of roasted elements all taking part in the sweet flavor.

Body/Finish: Winner – Tie

Salvator – This has a medium body with a slight amount of carbonization. The finish is not to long.

Celebrator – Slightly more body in this beer with a more oily texture and similar length to the finish.

Overall: Winner – Celebrator

This was a really close test. In fact both beers easily fill all the requirements for a Doppelbock. The fact that they look so different has no real impact on the finish as both are within style. The same goes for the aroma and taste. While they have different characteristics this is not outside of the style. So either is a fine example for the style. But since this is a head to head and my taste and preferences have a part to play I would choose the Celebrator. It just has that added level of complexity that goes with being the darker Doppelbock. But please do not let that stop you from having either they are both great Doppelbocks.

~ by alelagerlambic on June 26, 2008.