The Bishop’s Wife
To toast this mischievous marvel I’m taking a bit of poetic license for the potion pairing by using a dopplebock – the doubly strong German lager style beer known for being rich, malty, lightly hopped and associated with goats. This last bit is a due to a bit of linguistic liberty which evolved from the origins of this beer in 14th century Einbeck Germany. The Einbeck style was adapted in 17th century Bavaria as a lager, where it was pronounce “ein bock” due to the slightly different Bavarian accent. An ein bock is a billy goat, and ever since, boch labels have sported the sprightly fellows. The dopplebock, or double bock, is a stronger version of the traditional boch style, originated by the Franciscan Paulaner Friars to serve as “liquid bread” during times of fasting.
The Bishop's Wife by Howard Stelzer
Here’s a doubly delicious dose of double bock, courtesy of Howard and Ashley Stelzer from their book “Beer Cocktails”. It combines a rich and almost chocolatey dopplebock with cherry preserves and rum to create a decadent dessert drink reminiscent of Black Forest Cake. This is one bock you’ll definitely want to open, even if your other bocks stay closed. Cheers!
Like a Bavarian Black Forest Cake
The Bishop’s Wife by Howard Stelzer
1 ½ oz dark rum
2 tbsp. black cherry preserves
4 oz chilled dopplebock
quarter lime
Muddle the preserves, lime and rum together and shake with ice. Strain into a favorite glass and top with the chilled beer. Garnish with a double lime.
