From the Brewery: 

“A beer that has a dominant malty taste. This beer’s origins in a monk’s recipe are reflected in its heartiness. The Pope of Beers, Conrad Seidl, describes it as: ‘Almost black with a very slight red tone, a sensational, festive foam and truly extraordinary fragrance that at first summons up visions of greaves lard. The first taste is of mild fullness with an accompanying coffee tone, which becomes more dominant with the aftertaste. There is very little of the sweetness that is frequently to be tasted with doppelbock beer.’ The Ayinger Celebrator has been ranked among the best beers of the world by the Chicago Testing Institute several times and has won numerous platinum medallions.” 6.7 % ABV

The Pour: 

Poured from an 11.2 oz bottle into my beer mug (a groomsman gift from my buddy and brother-in-law John Flanigan). Celebrator is a dark cola color. The head is tan and foamy, and dissipates quickly. Minimal lacing is left on the glass.

The Nose: 

Sweet, bread-like yeast aroma, dark fruits, malts, molasses, brown sugar.

The Mouth: 

Rich, smooth, creamy mouthfeel up front, with all of the nose represented in the flavor. The complex flavors are mixed astoundingly well. It finishes clean and dry, with a great lingering aftertaste that is subtle and sophisticated.

Final Thoughts: 

Celebrator is a very, very good beer. It is definitely the best lager I have ever had. The flavor is delicious, complex, and artful. It begins like a huge beer, and finishes smooth, refreshing and sessionable. Easy to drink and delicious. 9/10.

Ayinger Privatbrauerei – Aying, Germany