Bock Beer - Homebrewing Style Guide
Bock beer is Germany’s world-class examples of rich, smooth lagers. Originating in the town of Einbeck and adopted by Bavarian brewers, Bock evolved into a family of strong lagers known for deep color, clean fermentation, and velvety mouthfeel. Traditional Bocks are brewed for spring celebrations and religious fasting seasons, but homebrewers enjoy them year-round for their complexity and malt-forward depth.
From the classic Bock to the extra-strong Doppelbock and the paler Maibock, these lagers feature toasted bread crust, caramel, and occasional hints of chocolate or dark fruit—all fermented with the clean precision of a good lager yeast. Despite their high alcohol, they finish smooth and often deceptively drinkable. If you're exploring how to make beer at home and want a malt-driven challenge, Bock styles are fantistic.
Vital Statistics:
| Style | OG | FG | ABV | IBUs | SRM | Fermentation Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bock (BJCP 6C) | 1.064–1.072 | 1.013–1.019 | 6.3%–7.2% | 20–27 | 14–22 (amber to brown) | 46–55°F |
| Doppelbock (BJCP 9A) | 1.072–1.112 | 1.016–1.024 | 7.0%–10.0% | 16–26 | 6–25 (gold to dark brown) | 46–55°F |
| Maibock / Helles Bock (BJCP 4C) | 1.064–1.072 | 1.011–1.018 | 6.3%–7.4% | 23–35 | 6–11 (deep gold to light amber) | 46–55°F |
| Eisbock (BJCP 9B) | 1.078–1.120 | 1.020–1.035 | 9.0%–14.0% | 25–35 | 18–30 (dark copper to deep brown) | 46–55°F |
Bock Beer FAQ
Are Bock beers ever fermented with ale yeast?
Traditionally, Bocks are true lagers and always fermented cold with lager yeast in Germany. However, many American breweries—and homebrewers—use clean ale yeast to emulate the style at warmer temperatures. One of the most famous examples is Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale, an ale-fermented Maibock-style beer.
Why do so many Doppelbock names end in “-ator”?
That naming convention started with Paulaner’s original Salvator Doppelbock and became a tradition over time. Many Doppelbocks now honor that legacy with playful or dramatic "-ator" suffixes, from Celebrator to Optimator to—yes—Terminator. It’s a nod to style heritage and a fun way to flex your creativity as a brewer.
Is Bock beer sweet?
While Bocks are malt-forward, they aren’t sugary sweet. Most finish moderately dry with a smooth, rounded profile. The sweetness is balanced by alcohol warmth and gentle bitterness, especially in styles like Maibock and Traditional Bock.
Can I brew Bock styles with an extract beer kit?
Yes! Bock beers are excellent candidates for extract brewing. Our home brewing kits are designed to capture deep malt complexity using quality extracts and steeping grains, so even beginner beer brewers can achieve delicious results.
How long should I lager a Bock beer?
Bocks benefit from extended cold conditioning. Plan to lager your Bock for at least 4–8 weeks at temperatures near 35°F. Doppelbocks and Eisbocks often improve with even longer aging, developing smoother, richer profiles over time.