Phase Three P3 Doppelbock 4Pk is a German-style doppelbock lager brewed in Lake Zurich, Illinois, at 8.2% ABV, sold as a 4-pack. Built on an extended eight-week horizontal lagering regimen and an all-Weyermann Specialty Malts grain bill, this release has earned recognition from outlets including Hop Culture and VinePair, alongside a solid 3.91 rating from nearly 1,500 reviews on Untappd. Quick Facts: ABV: 8.2% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA | Style: Doppelbock Lager | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing Company, based in Lake Zurich, Illinois, has built a reputation for meticulous lager production alongside its celebrated stout and IPA programs. The P3 Doppelbock uses a grain bill composed entirely of Weyermann Specialty Malts from Germany — toasty dark Munich, floor-malted pilsner, rich Caramunich, and a touch of bitterless black malt — hopped with traditional German Northern Brewer and Hallertau Mittelfrueh varieties and fermented with Omega Yeast's bock strain. After primary fermentation, the beer undergoes a full eight weeks of horizontal lagering, a process that smooths out rough edges and integrates the malt complexity into a cohesive, refined final product. Tasting Notes Aroma: Freshly baked bread and caramel lead immediately, followed by darker undercurrents of molasses and a subtle cocoa sweetness. A gentle, bready warmth sits underneath without any aggressive roast. Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward, delivering toasted bread and toffee right away. Mid-palate, a layered sweetness develops — caramel malt and a whisper of cola-like character — while a faint fruitiness adds dimension. The body is medium-full without feeling heavy, a testament to the extended lagering period. Finish: Clean and surprisingly dry for its richness, with lingering caramel and a creamy texture that fades gradually. There is no cloying sweetness; just a balanced, malt-driven close that invites the next sip. How to Drink P3 Doppelbock Serve at 45–50°F in a wide-mouthed goblet or tulip glass to let the malt aromatics open up; this beer is designed to be savored on its own. For a warming cold-weather cocktail riff, try a Bock Shandy blended with spiced apple cider, which amplifies the toffee and bread notes. A Black Velvet variation — layered with dry sparkling wine — plays off the doppelbock's richness with effervescence and acidity. A simple Beergarita built with fresh lime and a salted rim creates an unexpected contrast that highlights the malt sweetness against citrus tartness. Best For Cold-weather evening drinking sessions when you want depth without heaviness Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates traditional German lager styles Pairing alongside a holiday dinner spread of roasted meats and root vegetables Introducing friends to doppelbock as a style through a well-made American example Frequently Asked Questions What does P3 Doppelbock taste like? P3 Doppelbock leads with toasted bread, toffee, and caramel, with a subtle cola-like character at mid-palate and a clean, dry finish that balances the malt sweetness. How does P3 Doppelbock compare to Ayinger Celebrator? Ayinger Celebrator is a classic Bavarian benchmark doppelbock with deep dried-fruit and chocolate notes, while P3 Doppelbock leans more toward bread, toffee, and caramel with a cleaner, drier finish — both use premium German malts but represent different interpretations of the style. Is P3 Doppelbock good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the eight-week lagering process creates a smooth, refined body at 8.2% ABV that rewards slow, contemplative drinking from a proper glass at cellar temperature. Where is P3 Doppelbock made? P3 Doppelbock is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago known for its growing craft beer scene. What foods pair well with P3 Doppelbock? Roasted pork loin complements the toffee and bread character; aged Gruyère cheese mirrors the caramel maltiness; braised short ribs match the beer's body and depth; pretzel bread with mustard echoes the German malt profile; and dark chocolate desserts bring out the subtle cocoa notes. What sizes does P3 Doppelbock come in? P3 Doppelbock is available as a 4-pack of cans from Phase Three Brewing Company. Is P3 Doppelbock worth the price? P3 Doppelbock positions as a premium craft doppelbock, and the exclusive use of imported Weyermann Specialty Malts, traditional German hop varieties, and an eight-week lagering timeline justify its place above mass-market bocks in terms of quality and complexity. Why P3 Doppelbock? What separates this beer from most American-made doppelbocks is the commitment to process: eight full weeks of horizontal lagering is a substantial investment of time and tank space that many craft breweries skip in favor of faster turnaround. The grain bill — 100% Weyermann Specialty Malts including floor-malted pilsner — reflects a deliberate choice to source ingredients at the level of top German breweries rather than relying on domestic base malts. Combined with classic Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Northern Brewer hops and a dedicated bock yeast strain, the result is a doppelbock that stands credibly alongside traditional Bavarian examples while carrying a distinctly clean, American craft sensibility. For drinkers who care about how a lager is actually made, P3 Doppelbock rewards that attention.
