- German name
- Eisbock
- Alcohol
- 9–14% ABV
- Colour
- Deep amber to dark brown
- Fermentation
- Bottom-fermented (lager)
- Origin
- Kulmbach, Franconia (Bavaria)
- Glass
- Small snifter or stemmed tulip
- Serve at
- 10–14 °C
Eisbock, or “ice bock”, is the strongest of Germany’s traditional beer styles. It is made by freezing a Bock and removing the ice, which concentrates the flavour and alcohol into something closer to a fortified wine than a beer.
Where does Eisbock come from?
According to brewing legend, Eisbock was discovered by accident in Kulmbach, in northern Bavaria, in the late 19th century. A brewery worker left barrels of Bock outside on a freezing winter night. The beer partly froze, and when the brewers tapped what was left, they found it stronger and richer than before.
Kulmbach’s breweries made the style famous, and today a handful of German breweries brew one, most notably Schneider Weisse, whose Aventinus Eisbock is a wheat-based version.
How is Eisbock made?
Brewers start with a finished Bock or Doppelbock and chill it until some of the water turns to ice. Because alcohol freezes at a much lower temperature than water, the ice is mostly water. Removing it leaves a beer with more alcohol, more body and more intense flavour.
What does Eisbock taste like?
- Look: Deep amber to dark brown, with little head
- Aroma: Dried fruit, plum, toffee, chocolate and a hint of alcohol
- Taste: Very full-bodied and sweet, like a liqueur, with warming alcohol
- Finish: Long and rich
How to serve Eisbock
Serve it at 10–14 °C in a small snifter or stemmed glass and sip it like a port or whisky. One bottle is often enough to share.
Food pairing: Blue cheese, dark chocolate, sticky date pudding and Christmas cake. Or enjoy it on its own after dinner.
Eisbock in Australia
Eisbock is rare in Australia. Schneider Weisse Aventinus Eisbock occasionally appears at specialist craft beer shops, so it is worth asking. If you can’t find one, a Weizenbock such as Aventinus or a strong Doppelbock such as Ayinger Celebrator is a good alternative.
German beer brands that brew Ice Bock
From our top 20 German beer brands in Australia, ranked by how easy they are to find here.
Ice Bock FAQs
How is Eisbock made?
Eisbock is made by partly freezing a finished Bock or Doppelbock. Water freezes before alcohol, so when the ice is removed, the beer left behind is more concentrated in flavour and alcohol.
How strong is Eisbock?
Most Eisbocks are between 9% and 14% ABV, making them some of the strongest traditional German beers. Schneider Aventinus Eisbock, for example, is 12%.
Can I buy Eisbock in Australia?
Eisbock is a rare style in Australia. Schneider Aventinus Eisbock occasionally appears at specialist craft beer bottle shops, so ask your local store to order it in.
← Back to all German beer types · Last updated 2 October 2026.