The Ali-Gator

Origin Story

With a traditional beer template stemming from the Bock family of beers*, Alig-ator was modeled after a particular variety known as a Dopplebock. Bocks have a long history of being brewed and consumed by Bavarian monks as a source of nutrition during times of fasting. Doppelbock or double bock is a stronger version of traditional bock that was first brewed in Munich by the Paulaner monks. With the permission from the Duke of Bavaria, initially only for their use, the Benedicitine monks of the order of Saint Francis of Paola began brewing these beers in Munich in 1634. By 1780, they began selling their extra strong beer to the public under the name Salvator, which is Latin for "Savior". Strong beers called Bock ("Billy goat") had been brewed in Munich since the early 1600's, so the monks called theirs Doppelbock ("two Billy goats"). In the late 19th century, other breweries had begun to copy the name "Salvator" and were forced by a lawsuit to introduce their own brands of Doppelbock beers. While Salvator is the most well known doppelbock and often is referenced as the defining beer for this style, almost 200 other breweries indicate their versions of this beer by adding the "-ator" to the name of the beer. Well known Doppelbocks include "Animator" by Hacker Pschorr, "Celebrator" by Ayinger, and "Triumphator" by Lowenbrau, to name a few. Following suit, Ryan decided that "Alig-ator" would be an appropriate title for our stylistically accurate version of this beer. Historically, Doppelbock was high in alcohol and sweet, thus serving as "liquid bread" for the monks, when solid food was not permitted during the fasting days of Lent. Doppelbocks are full bodied and deep amber to dark brown in color. Alcoholic strength tends to be high, usually beyond 7% ABV, which can often be perceivable in the aroma and flavor. Malt sweetness is typically the more dominate characteristic for Doppelbocks, with a focus towards malty toasted flavors. Hop bitterness and aroma is usually quite low or non detectable, but usually enough to offer some balance to the malt forwardness of this style.