About This Beer
Weissenoher Bonator Doppelbock 50cl is a powerful 8.2% dark Doppelbock brewed by Klosterbrauerei Weißenohe in Bavaria, Germany. Rich, malt-led and traditionally made, it represents a classic German beer style with roots in the monastic brewing traditions of Bavaria.
The brewery describes Bonator as a dark, strong and spicy Doppelbock and connects the beer directly with the Benedictine monks who once lived at Weißenohe. During periods of fasting, the principle that liquids did not break the fast helped strong beers develop their reputation as nourishing “liquid bread”. Bonator continues that tradition as a substantial, slow-drinking strong lager.
Its depth begins with the malt bill: dark caramel malt, Munich malt, Pilsner malt and red caramel malt. Klosterbrauerei Weißenohe uses a traditional and elaborate decoction-style mashing process to develop the beer's pronounced body before bottom fermentation and an extended period of cold maturation.
Four German hop varieties provide balance: Hallertauer Herkules, Hallertauer Tradition, Hersbrucker Gebirgshopfen and Spalter Select. At 25 IBUs, the hop bitterness provides structure rather than dominating the malt-driven character.
The result is a distinctive example for drinkers exploring traditional German Lager, Pilsner & Helles alongside the wider selection of international craft beer available online from TheCru.ie.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep reddish-brown to mahogany, with a beige head.
- Aroma: Sweet caramel malt with dried plum, chocolate and liquorice.
- Taste: Rich and malt-forward, combining caramel sweetness with toasted and roasted malt, dark fruit and a measured balancing bitterness.
- Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, smooth and velvety, with the 8.2% ABV notably well integrated.
- Finish: Long and malty, with lingering caramel, roasted notes and enough bitterness to balance the sweetness.
About the Brewery
Klosterbrauerei Weißenohe is based in Weißenohe in Franconia, Bavaria. The brewery's identity is closely connected to the former Benedictine monastery at Weißenohe and the region's long brewing heritage.
Bonator particularly reflects that history. The brewery traces the inspiration for the beer to the tradition of strong Bock beers being consumed by Benedictine monks during Lent. Today, the brewery continues to make Bonator as a traditional dark Doppelbock using a malt-focused recipe, German aroma hops, bottom fermentation and prolonged cold maturation.
Rather than using modern highly aromatic hops to dominate the beer, Bonator relies on malt, fermentation and maturation for much of its character. Hallertauer Herkules contributes bitterness, while Hallertauer Tradition, Hersbrucker Gebirgshopfen and Spalter Select maintain its connection with classic German hop varieties.
For anyone exploring traditional European brewing alongside modern craft beer, Bonator offers a markedly different experience: strong but restrained, malt-driven rather than hop-driven, and designed around richness and balance.
Food Pairings
The substantial malt character of Weissenoher Bonator works particularly well with rich savoury dishes. Try it with roast beef, slow-cooked beef or pork, sausages, game or a hearty meat stew. Caramelised and roasted flavours in the food complement the beer's Munich and caramel malt character, while its bitterness helps prevent richer dishes from becoming overwhelming.
Mature and nutty cheeses are another excellent option. Comté, Gruyère, aged Gouda or a mature Cheddar can stand up to the intensity of an 8.2% Doppelbock.
For something sweeter, pair Bonator with desserts built around dark chocolate, caramel or toasted nuts. Avoid serving it excessively cold; allowing a strong malt-led beer like this to warm slightly helps its dried-fruit, caramel and chocolate characteristics become more expressive.
Try More Like This
If Bonator appeals to you, explore our Lager, Pilsner & Helles range for more traditional bottom-fermented beers, or browse the complete Craft Beer & Craft Cider collection for German, Belgian, Irish and international beers across a wide range of styles.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.