Hofbräu Dunkel
Hofbräuhaus München
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Lager - Munich Dunkel
Ranked #42 - ABV:
- 5.5%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #28,057 - Avg:
- 3.8 | pDev: 11.84%
- Reviews:
- 401
- Ratings:
- From:
- Hofbräuhaus München
- Germany
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 42
- Gots
- 303
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
Dark specialties were being made in Bavaria long before the advent of pale specialties. Over the years, Hofbrau Dunkel lost nothing of its popularity. With the rich flavour, it remains a refreshing beverage, suitable for all occasions. A traditional Munich deliciousness.
Reviews: 401
| Ratings: 1,388
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
davisrs from Pennsylvania
4.6/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Nice dark color, aromatic head, 2.5 fingers, full grain aroma and a nice hops finish. Full flavored from the tongue to the finish of the palate, with nice body. One of the better beers I've tasted!
Today at 03:48 AM
4.6/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Nice dark color, aromatic head, 2.5 fingers, full grain aroma and a nice hops finish. Full flavored from the tongue to the finish of the palate, with nice body. One of the better beers I've tasted!
Today at 03:48 AM
Sigmund from Norway
3.56/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
500 ml bottle, from Ales By Mail (despite not being an ale!). ABV is 5.5%. Dark reddish brown colour, large to moderate off-white head. Distinct malty aroma, notes of brown bread and caramel. The flavour is also distinctly malty, but slightly less sweet than expected. Again notes of brown bread and caramel. Very moderate hops.
Jan 25, 2021
3.56/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
500 ml bottle, from Ales By Mail (despite not being an ale!). ABV is 5.5%. Dark reddish brown colour, large to moderate off-white head. Distinct malty aroma, notes of brown bread and caramel. The flavour is also distinctly malty, but slightly less sweet than expected. Again notes of brown bread and caramel. Very moderate hops.
Jan 25, 2021
moodenba from New York
3.43/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Hofbrau Dunkel 33cl bottle at 55F poured into a shaker glass in December, 2020. This is a serviceable dunkel without any real flaws. It has a nice, if understated, roasted malt body that is appropriate for a dunkel. Not much more to say about this one. Maybe I was expecting too much. But after all, this is a Munich Dunkel.
Dec 02, 2020
3.43/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Hofbrau Dunkel 33cl bottle at 55F poured into a shaker glass in December, 2020. This is a serviceable dunkel without any real flaws. It has a nice, if understated, roasted malt body that is appropriate for a dunkel. Not much more to say about this one. Maybe I was expecting too much. But after all, this is a Munich Dunkel.
Dec 02, 2020
gshak from Texas
3.8/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Garnet red with an offwhite head and impressive lacing.
S - Metallic aroma. Upon swirling, traces of toasted bread and caramel are observed. Still very muted, perhaps it will get better as the beer warms up?
T - Toasted bread, caramel, toffee, finishing with light, balancing bitterness. Perhaps it drinks closer to style, but not quite the exhalting experience I had with a Warsteiner dunkel I had the previous week. I would gladly trade the remainder of my 6-pack of this for half the # of Warsteiner dunkels.
F - Light, with enough carbonation to tease out all the flavors.
O - Good, but likely one I won't be seeking out again.
Oct 25, 2020
3.8/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Garnet red with an offwhite head and impressive lacing.
S - Metallic aroma. Upon swirling, traces of toasted bread and caramel are observed. Still very muted, perhaps it will get better as the beer warms up?
T - Toasted bread, caramel, toffee, finishing with light, balancing bitterness. Perhaps it drinks closer to style, but not quite the exhalting experience I had with a Warsteiner dunkel I had the previous week. I would gladly trade the remainder of my 6-pack of this for half the # of Warsteiner dunkels.
F - Light, with enough carbonation to tease out all the flavors.
O - Good, but likely one I won't be seeking out again.
Oct 25, 2020
DrBeergood from Ohio
4.21/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: A color like I've never seen, a burgundy red, clear but very dark. Not big on the carbonation. A bit glossy on top but less so than other traditional German lagers.
S: A candied munich malt base. Tangy, sweet, and caramelized.
T: Toasty bread. Bittersweet--The malt is mildly sweet with the minimum of hops to counterbalance it. Comes together very nicely.
F: Very smooth. The lack of carbonation works for it. Gives the beer a chance to rest on the palate. The flavor profile changes significantly from the first sip to the last.
O: Good, grand, lovely, wonderful, fantastic. Easily the best dunkel experience I've ever had. You need 6 of these, a steiner, and a buddy! This is great, what a lovely beer, what is that, I'll have another sip, and now my beer is gone. The biggest crime is that this beer wasn't in a bigger vessel!
Jul 12, 2020
4.21/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: A color like I've never seen, a burgundy red, clear but very dark. Not big on the carbonation. A bit glossy on top but less so than other traditional German lagers.
S: A candied munich malt base. Tangy, sweet, and caramelized.
T: Toasty bread. Bittersweet--The malt is mildly sweet with the minimum of hops to counterbalance it. Comes together very nicely.
F: Very smooth. The lack of carbonation works for it. Gives the beer a chance to rest on the palate. The flavor profile changes significantly from the first sip to the last.
O: Good, grand, lovely, wonderful, fantastic. Easily the best dunkel experience I've ever had. You need 6 of these, a steiner, and a buddy! This is great, what a lovely beer, what is that, I'll have another sip, and now my beer is gone. The biggest crime is that this beer wasn't in a bigger vessel!
Jul 12, 2020
milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
3.94/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Clear bronze appearance with an average size, off white head and a fair amount of lacing. Toasted malt aroma with some nuttiness in the background. Moderately sweet taste of caramel malts balanced by subdued spicy hops. Medium bodied, nicely carbonated mouthfeel.
Jun 28, 2020
3.94/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Clear bronze appearance with an average size, off white head and a fair amount of lacing. Toasted malt aroma with some nuttiness in the background. Moderately sweet taste of caramel malts balanced by subdued spicy hops. Medium bodied, nicely carbonated mouthfeel.
Jun 28, 2020
Bitterbill from Wyoming
4.55/5 rDev +19.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottled February 12th 2020.
It pours a light brown with a finger of off white foam, very nice lacing.
The smell is delightful. Mixture of caramel and bready malt, the latter of which reminds me of fresh baked bread. Light hoppiness with some aromas of dark pitted fruit. But the bread is dominant.
Bready, caramel taste, dark pitted fruits without the tartness, light bitterness, more bread. The taste is very very nice but doesn't quite live up to the smell.
Great smooth mouthfeel.
So glad I bought a 6pack online!
Jun 07, 2020
4.55/5 rDev +19.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottled February 12th 2020.
It pours a light brown with a finger of off white foam, very nice lacing.
The smell is delightful. Mixture of caramel and bready malt, the latter of which reminds me of fresh baked bread. Light hoppiness with some aromas of dark pitted fruit. But the bread is dominant.
Bready, caramel taste, dark pitted fruits without the tartness, light bitterness, more bread. The taste is very very nice but doesn't quite live up to the smell.
Great smooth mouthfeel.
So glad I bought a 6pack online!
Jun 07, 2020
BloodSoakedAleMug from New York
4.73/5 rDev +24.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Look: Pours a soft shade of ruby reddish brown with an off white ring of foam. Head retention is average, bubbles are fizzy and disappear after a while. Decent lacing on the glass.
Aroma: Dates, chocolate pudding, rye bread, root beer (mild), pie crust, toasted cashews/peanuts. Getting everything from raisins and figs to sarsaparilla. Smells excellent.
Taste: Raisin bread/Oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate. Dry/bitter. Savory, malty, ripe. Slightly tart but not overtly acidic. The chocolate is more of a rich dried cocoa powder or fudge than milk chocolate which is highlighted by notes of dried fruit. Yeasty at times, with clean flavors of floral clove and banana. Mild notions of salted pretzels and toffee on the finish, with a gentle bitter cocao / roasted malt aftertaste.
Feel: Thirst quenching. Body is mid/heavy - probably a [6.5] on a weight scale of [1] - [10] with [1] being light and [10] full bodied. Good balance but certainly rich in texture to a certain degree.
Overall: This is an excellent, any time of day, any season beer if you ask me. Despite it being malty, it's refreshing and packed with flavor while at no time being acerbic or cloying.
May 03, 2020
4.73/5 rDev +24.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Look: Pours a soft shade of ruby reddish brown with an off white ring of foam. Head retention is average, bubbles are fizzy and disappear after a while. Decent lacing on the glass.
Aroma: Dates, chocolate pudding, rye bread, root beer (mild), pie crust, toasted cashews/peanuts. Getting everything from raisins and figs to sarsaparilla. Smells excellent.
Taste: Raisin bread/Oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate. Dry/bitter. Savory, malty, ripe. Slightly tart but not overtly acidic. The chocolate is more of a rich dried cocoa powder or fudge than milk chocolate which is highlighted by notes of dried fruit. Yeasty at times, with clean flavors of floral clove and banana. Mild notions of salted pretzels and toffee on the finish, with a gentle bitter cocao / roasted malt aftertaste.
Feel: Thirst quenching. Body is mid/heavy - probably a [6.5] on a weight scale of [1] - [10] with [1] being light and [10] full bodied. Good balance but certainly rich in texture to a certain degree.
Overall: This is an excellent, any time of day, any season beer if you ask me. Despite it being malty, it's refreshing and packed with flavor while at no time being acerbic or cloying.
May 03, 2020
jwp777 from Oklahoma
4.67/5 rDev +22.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
On draught:
Pours a dark brown, almost black color with a dark ruby quality to it. Head is off-white and a tad sticky. Retains and laces well.
Aroma is mild but bready with dark malts and some grains. There is a light amount of something floral and some hops for balance.
Taste is almost exactly like the scent. The floral aspects and hops show up early and leave quickly, making way for the malts and grains to shine.
Feel is aesthetically pleasing. Body is on the full side of medium and carbonation is medium as well. There is a bit of an aftertaste for a while but it is pleasant.
Overall, one of my absolute favorite beers. I will drink it from the bottle but it’s just not the same. Yet another great dark German brew, but I think this one is my favorite of the German beers so far.
Mar 31, 2020
4.67/5 rDev +22.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
On draught:
Pours a dark brown, almost black color with a dark ruby quality to it. Head is off-white and a tad sticky. Retains and laces well.
Aroma is mild but bready with dark malts and some grains. There is a light amount of something floral and some hops for balance.
Taste is almost exactly like the scent. The floral aspects and hops show up early and leave quickly, making way for the malts and grains to shine.
Feel is aesthetically pleasing. Body is on the full side of medium and carbonation is medium as well. There is a bit of an aftertaste for a while but it is pleasant.
Overall, one of my absolute favorite beers. I will drink it from the bottle but it’s just not the same. Yet another great dark German brew, but I think this one is my favorite of the German beers so far.
Mar 31, 2020
drdiesel9483 from Ohio
4.02/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look - Fantastic mostly white big head some sticky lacing. great dark amber color.
Smell - sweet caramel and toasty graininess
Taste - pretty much just like the scent.
Feel - medium body and carbonation
Overall - Really good beer.
Feb 25, 2020
4.02/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look - Fantastic mostly white big head some sticky lacing. great dark amber color.
Smell - sweet caramel and toasty graininess
Taste - pretty much just like the scent.
Feel - medium body and carbonation
Overall - Really good beer.
Feb 25, 2020
That_Mohawk_Dude
4.42/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Wow. Had the opportunity to give this a go at my local Cincinnati Hofbrauhaus. Tan in color with a ruby hue. Smell is mild with light hops and a touch of malty. Flavor is toasty and slightly sweet without being overdone. Excellent beer in my opinion and I will be returning to fill my growler many times.
Jan 19, 2020
4.42/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Wow. Had the opportunity to give this a go at my local Cincinnati Hofbrauhaus. Tan in color with a ruby hue. Smell is mild with light hops and a touch of malty. Flavor is toasty and slightly sweet without being overdone. Excellent beer in my opinion and I will be returning to fill my growler many times.
Jan 19, 2020
ATL6245 from Georgia
5/5 rDev +31.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Appearance: Dark brown with ruby tint. Clear. Tan, mousse-like head with very persistent retention.
Aroma: Floral and herbal hops. Bready, dark fruit malt.
Flavor & Aftertaste: Restrained bitterness, toasty bread and pruny/dark fruit flavors. Medium sweetness.
Mouth-feel: Soft, sweet medium bodied. Medium length finish.
Overall: One of the top Munich Dunkel's in my opinion. Very attractive look when poured properly. Nice malt forward flavor with some delicate hops aromas. Soft, smooth mouth feel. An easy drinking dark beer that will fool you, visually, into thinking it is heavy, filling. Poured this from the typical bottle imported into the US. Can't image how good this is on draft.
Jan 03, 2020
5/5 rDev +31.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Appearance: Dark brown with ruby tint. Clear. Tan, mousse-like head with very persistent retention.
Aroma: Floral and herbal hops. Bready, dark fruit malt.
Flavor & Aftertaste: Restrained bitterness, toasty bread and pruny/dark fruit flavors. Medium sweetness.
Mouth-feel: Soft, sweet medium bodied. Medium length finish.
Overall: One of the top Munich Dunkel's in my opinion. Very attractive look when poured properly. Nice malt forward flavor with some delicate hops aromas. Soft, smooth mouth feel. An easy drinking dark beer that will fool you, visually, into thinking it is heavy, filling. Poured this from the typical bottle imported into the US. Can't image how good this is on draft.
Jan 03, 2020
Mugman8 from New York
3.98/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Dark garnet on the pour, nice head but dissipates quickly but nice minimal lacing. Smells like dark bread and raisins and dried fruit. Taste is malty, fruity and bready. A good one at a fair price. Will be buying again!
Jan 01, 2020
3.98/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Dark garnet on the pour, nice head but dissipates quickly but nice minimal lacing. Smells like dark bread and raisins and dried fruit. Taste is malty, fruity and bready. A good one at a fair price. Will be buying again!
Jan 01, 2020
gvickery from Texas
4.02/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: Crystal clear dark reddish brown. Medium off white head.
Smell: Devine, like baking bread, raisin and prune compote, molasses/toffee.
Taste: Similar to the smell, there’s a little sour note that I could do without but it’s not that big of a deal. It really does taste like it smells. It has a medium mouthfeel.
It’s really good and has a long tradition, the smell alone is worth it. It’s kind of scarce where I live but I’ll probably buy some when I see it.
Dec 13, 2019
4.02/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: Crystal clear dark reddish brown. Medium off white head.
Smell: Devine, like baking bread, raisin and prune compote, molasses/toffee.
Taste: Similar to the smell, there’s a little sour note that I could do without but it’s not that big of a deal. It really does taste like it smells. It has a medium mouthfeel.
It’s really good and has a long tradition, the smell alone is worth it. It’s kind of scarce where I live but I’ll probably buy some when I see it.
Dec 13, 2019
Bouleboubier from New Jersey
3.72/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
(330 ml bottle, L 065 S; purchased cold 6-pack... poured into 25 oz mug)
L: crystal-clear, garnet liquid; tall stand of light-khaki colored, dense, spongy foam... keeps thin cap; several barnacle splotches of lace
S: turbinado syrup, subtle background hint of dark caramel, delicate toasty grainy bread overtone; maybe a touch of earthy hop... overall intensity rather mellow (wrong glass?)
T: bit more floral-leafy, herbal hop character leaps out upon first sip; aftertaste sports a mellow, leathery prune note, though rather dry in the finish... second sip carries a little more burnt-roast, molasses-cookie like grain along with the growing bite to its bitterness; vague peppery phenol begins to linger... expected a richer malt underbelly - instead, it's rather cut and dry
F: soft sizzle start to finish - along with its soft, spicy bite and mellow boozy warmth, it definitely keeps the palate awake and wanting more... could probably knock back in gulps
O: youngest bottles I could find in a pinch... I may have had this before on draft, but I could be wrong... at any rate, a finely-tailored dunkel, but little to savor aside from the shade of dried, musky fruit (1505)
Sep 21, 2019
3.72/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
(330 ml bottle, L 065 S; purchased cold 6-pack... poured into 25 oz mug)
L: crystal-clear, garnet liquid; tall stand of light-khaki colored, dense, spongy foam... keeps thin cap; several barnacle splotches of lace
S: turbinado syrup, subtle background hint of dark caramel, delicate toasty grainy bread overtone; maybe a touch of earthy hop... overall intensity rather mellow (wrong glass?)
T: bit more floral-leafy, herbal hop character leaps out upon first sip; aftertaste sports a mellow, leathery prune note, though rather dry in the finish... second sip carries a little more burnt-roast, molasses-cookie like grain along with the growing bite to its bitterness; vague peppery phenol begins to linger... expected a richer malt underbelly - instead, it's rather cut and dry
F: soft sizzle start to finish - along with its soft, spicy bite and mellow boozy warmth, it definitely keeps the palate awake and wanting more... could probably knock back in gulps
O: youngest bottles I could find in a pinch... I may have had this before on draft, but I could be wrong... at any rate, a finely-tailored dunkel, but little to savor aside from the shade of dried, musky fruit (1505)
Sep 21, 2019
HoppingMadMonk from New Jersey
4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Around a medium body with just under average carbonation. Overall has a nice feel and very easy to get down
Aroma isnt overpowering but theres all types of malt,mildly roasted malt,malt candy,sticky doughy pastry
Taste is stronger than aroma, malts, brown sugar, doughy pastry. Theres a slight bitter hop taste that is perfect because it keeps it from being a one dimensional malt bomb .
Overall there isnt much to complain about,nice feel,very easy to get down,flavorful, and not too one dimensional
Aug 21, 2019
4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Around a medium body with just under average carbonation. Overall has a nice feel and very easy to get down
Aroma isnt overpowering but theres all types of malt,mildly roasted malt,malt candy,sticky doughy pastry
Taste is stronger than aroma, malts, brown sugar, doughy pastry. Theres a slight bitter hop taste that is perfect because it keeps it from being a one dimensional malt bomb .
Overall there isnt much to complain about,nice feel,very easy to get down,flavorful, and not too one dimensional
Aug 21, 2019
ovaltine from Indiana
4.25/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dark copper color with a dense tan head, this majestic beer features roasty malt aromas with caramel and toffee notes featured.
The roasty malt translates perfectly to the taste, and there’s also a bready flavor as well . This beer is outstanding, IMHO. Can’t believe I’ve never had it before.
Aug 15, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dark copper color with a dense tan head, this majestic beer features roasty malt aromas with caramel and toffee notes featured.
The roasty malt translates perfectly to the taste, and there’s also a bready flavor as well . This beer is outstanding, IMHO. Can’t believe I’ve never had it before.
Aug 15, 2019
puck1225 from Texas
3.75/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
The host of a sangria throw down this weekend (we didn’t win) served this at the party. Poured from a bottle into a tulip glass. Dark clear brown with decent head and lacing. Slightly sweet and bready smell and taste. A bit of toasted wheat bread. Nice toasted malt flavor. Decent beer.
Fun party!
Aug 05, 2019
3.75/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
The host of a sangria throw down this weekend (we didn’t win) served this at the party. Poured from a bottle into a tulip glass. Dark clear brown with decent head and lacing. Slightly sweet and bready smell and taste. A bit of toasted wheat bread. Nice toasted malt flavor. Decent beer.
Fun party!
Aug 05, 2019
German-Helles from Wisconsin
4.22/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This beer looks great! A 12oz. bottle gave me two plus fingers of a very tan pillow of foam. The foam settled back to a thin layer with lacing left behind. The beer is a dark cola color, but clear enough to watch the carbonation.
I can smell malt and subtle hints of chocolate.
The flavor is sweet chocolate, a bit bready, the beer is not bitter but finishes slightly dry.
The feel is very creamy, nice, with a medium carbonation.
This beer tastes good, no crazy hops, a nice blend of sweetness, with a little dryness to cut the sweets.
Jul 31, 2019
4.22/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This beer looks great! A 12oz. bottle gave me two plus fingers of a very tan pillow of foam. The foam settled back to a thin layer with lacing left behind. The beer is a dark cola color, but clear enough to watch the carbonation.
I can smell malt and subtle hints of chocolate.
The flavor is sweet chocolate, a bit bready, the beer is not bitter but finishes slightly dry.
The feel is very creamy, nice, with a medium carbonation.
This beer tastes good, no crazy hops, a nice blend of sweetness, with a little dryness to cut the sweets.
Jul 31, 2019
KS_Augsburg from Illinois
3.98/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this at Hofbräuhaus Chicago, Rosemont IL, on draft. Great malt flavor, roasted, very sublte smoke, even leather note. Hop not noticeable, great balance of sweetness, malt, light yeast, great Dunkel.
Jun 15, 2019
3.98/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this at Hofbräuhaus Chicago, Rosemont IL, on draft. Great malt flavor, roasted, very sublte smoke, even leather note. Hop not noticeable, great balance of sweetness, malt, light yeast, great Dunkel.
Jun 15, 2019
RetiredVeteran from Ohio
5/5 rDev +31.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Tradition, tradition, tradition.... one of the oldest on the planet.
At the local hofbrau Haus here in Columbus, this has to be their best seller except for their Festbier.
Mar 27, 2019
5/5 rDev +31.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Tradition, tradition, tradition.... one of the oldest on the planet.
At the local hofbrau Haus here in Columbus, this has to be their best seller except for their Festbier.
Mar 27, 2019
defunksta from North Dakota
4.07/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass at 45 degrees,
Look: Pours a dark rustic brown color with slight copper hue that is minimally clear
Smell: Very strong aromas of dark and classic German Munich malts. Dark toffee and caramel sweet bread. Some hop bitterness and bittersweet chocolate begin to come through as the beer sits, balancing the aroma.
Taste: Flavors of dark and sweet Munich malts mostly. Toasted bread, breast crust, caramel, toffee are all present. Yes, maybe some pumpernickle. Not too sweet nor dry. Appropriately balanced.
Feel: Heavy and minimal carbonation.
It's darker, richer, and sweeter bread flavored than your typical Pilsner or Munich malts. Yet there is minimal roastedness or bitterness. Mostly its dark, sweet, German bread.
Overall: This is an excellent beer that features German Munich malts, but also has a very mild hop bittersweet chocolate presence. Absolutely delicious. An excellent example of how dark German bready and food flavors and transcribed into beer.
Mar 15, 2019
4.07/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass at 45 degrees,
Look: Pours a dark rustic brown color with slight copper hue that is minimally clear
Smell: Very strong aromas of dark and classic German Munich malts. Dark toffee and caramel sweet bread. Some hop bitterness and bittersweet chocolate begin to come through as the beer sits, balancing the aroma.
Taste: Flavors of dark and sweet Munich malts mostly. Toasted bread, breast crust, caramel, toffee are all present. Yes, maybe some pumpernickle. Not too sweet nor dry. Appropriately balanced.
Feel: Heavy and minimal carbonation.
It's darker, richer, and sweeter bread flavored than your typical Pilsner or Munich malts. Yet there is minimal roastedness or bitterness. Mostly its dark, sweet, German bread.
Overall: This is an excellent beer that features German Munich malts, but also has a very mild hop bittersweet chocolate presence. Absolutely delicious. An excellent example of how dark German bready and food flavors and transcribed into beer.
Mar 15, 2019
Lucular from Maryland
3.62/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This beer looks awesome, with a big creamy off-white head and nice lacing. The aroma is biscuity with floral hops and a hint of the metallic flavor that is to come, which completely ruins the beer. It's not undrinkable but the metallic and almost sour/spoiled milk flavor is hard to ignore. Score: 3.14
Edit: I had this on tap and it was much better. No metallic or sour milk flavors.
Nov 06, 2018
3.62/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This beer looks awesome, with a big creamy off-white head and nice lacing. The aroma is biscuity with floral hops and a hint of the metallic flavor that is to come, which completely ruins the beer. It's not undrinkable but the metallic and almost sour/spoiled milk flavor is hard to ignore. Score: 3.14
Edit: I had this on tap and it was much better. No metallic or sour milk flavors.
Nov 06, 2018
CR2036 from Pennsylvania
3.68/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a Victory slim glass, served slightly above fridge temperature.
L: Nearly a two-finger, off-white/tan head. Looks like a dark, reddish amber color with caramel color added. Pretty good.
S: Smells of roasted malts with a bit of yeast and hints of bread.
T: First comes the roasted flavors, followed by a bit of chocolate and coffee. Then, the malt and caramel make the finish sweet and wet. Perhaps a bit of metallic bitterness aftertaste. Not complicated.
F: Good to weak carbonation with a slightly wet feel, turning into a dry, slightly bitter aftertaste.
O: Got this in a craft-your-own 6 pack, and was not disappointed. However, I wish the roasted flavors had a little better balance imo. Also wish the metallic taste wasn't so strong. Still a great Dunkel. Cheers!
Nov 02, 2018
3.68/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a Victory slim glass, served slightly above fridge temperature.
L: Nearly a two-finger, off-white/tan head. Looks like a dark, reddish amber color with caramel color added. Pretty good.
S: Smells of roasted malts with a bit of yeast and hints of bread.
T: First comes the roasted flavors, followed by a bit of chocolate and coffee. Then, the malt and caramel make the finish sweet and wet. Perhaps a bit of metallic bitterness aftertaste. Not complicated.
F: Good to weak carbonation with a slightly wet feel, turning into a dry, slightly bitter aftertaste.
O: Got this in a craft-your-own 6 pack, and was not disappointed. However, I wish the roasted flavors had a little better balance imo. Also wish the metallic taste wasn't so strong. Still a great Dunkel. Cheers!
Nov 02, 2018
keithmurray from Connecticut
3.93/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - chestnut brown body with tan head
Smell - chocolate, toasted nuts, tea, caramel
Taste - toasted nuts, tea, chocolate, hint of caramel
Mouthfeel - lighter end of medium bodied, light carbonation, toasted nuts and bready upfront, chocolate in the middle, tea and caramel in the back
Overall - very solid beer here that is certainly worthy of a try.
Price Point - $1.89/11.2 oz bottle
Oct 06, 2018
3.93/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - chestnut brown body with tan head
Smell - chocolate, toasted nuts, tea, caramel
Taste - toasted nuts, tea, chocolate, hint of caramel
Mouthfeel - lighter end of medium bodied, light carbonation, toasted nuts and bready upfront, chocolate in the middle, tea and caramel in the back
Overall - very solid beer here that is certainly worthy of a try.
Price Point - $1.89/11.2 oz bottle
Oct 06, 2018
Hofbräu Dunkel from Hofbräuhaus München
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
1388 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with ≥ 150 characters.
Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close