The world needs more Dunkel

Dunkel is one of my favorite styles. Unfortunately, they're somewhat rare over here in the US. Of the Munich breweries, I think only Hofbrau sends their dunkel stateside. Beyond them, I see Ayinger's here and there, and occasionally Weltenburger. Warsteiner's is fine, but it's definitely not a Munich/Bavarian style dunkel. That's pretty much it as far as imports go. Locally, Bierstadt's is as good as Munich versions, but those cans aren't always around. Prost's is probably #2. The others all have a roasty note that screams "this isn't Bavarian-style" to me.

 

the best part is they opened a new production brewery this year. All the lagers are noticeably cleaner and they carb with a spunding system now; it has dramatically improved mouthfeel/carb.

I cannot wait to try their dunkel and schwarzbier with their new toys.

Never say never…

Oh and I know you also appreciate clarity; also improved dramatically since the new facility. I’m beyond excited for fall.

 

I haven't tried it yet, but have been meaning to check out KC Bier Co next time we make the trip.

 

We have a newer, smaller brewery that's making some great lagers (yeah I've raved about them before), but to be honest -- their Dunkel fell short.

That said, I hope it was a learning lesson and they try it again, because they brewed a Vienna Amber that was about as spot-on as anyone would expect.

Add to that their Festbier, Pils, Czech Pils and Helles -- and these guys are on their Lager game.

Oh, and their Doppelbock was to kill for.

 

The more Dunkels the better. This one is listed as Munich Dunkel here on BA.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26520/71819/

The description reads, "Red Tape Lager has a full malty flavor typical of Bavarian dark lagers. It's brewed with 100% Dark Munich Malt. Additions of Glacier hops for bittering and noble German hops for aroma strike a balance between American and European flavors."

I love it. It's their winter seasonal, which is fine by me (though I would drink it year round). It's a great looking beer. Here's a pic (I didn't take it, just found it on google).

 

I have to ask if there's anyone here who can't get Negra Modelo on a moment's notice. BA says it's a Munich Dunkel, and I'm pretty sure the world has plenty of it.

 

But it really ain't. Thin, acidic, grainy, no big malt character, far from its roots.

 

Again, not a Dunkel. Great Doppelbock, but not a Munich Dunkel.

 

A number of small, local craft breweries in my area produce quality Dunkel lagers but only on a rotating basis.

A few weeks ago I saw that Tired Hands had cans of Trendler Dunkel at the Fermentaria. That it is a well brewed Dunkel with mostly toasted dark bread malty flavors just a very slight hint of roastiness.

Cheers!

 

I consider it to be in the ballpark. Kinda like how I consider Amber Bock to be in the ballpark of a Vienna lager. Considering how rare dunkels are, it scratches that itch in a pinch.

 

I discussed Negra Modelo a month ago in a NBW thread:

From the brewery’s website (with emphasis in bold by me):

“Brewed longer to enhance the flavors, this Munich Dunkel-style Lager gives way to a rich flavor and remarkably smooth taste. Modelo Negra contains Water, Barley Malt, Non-malted Cereals and Hops.”

https://www.modelousa.com/products/negra

I would be willing to bet that most of the time “non-malted cereals” = corn (but they likely switch to rice when that grain is cheaper).

Despite the brewery’s marketing spiel of “Munich Dunkel-style Lager” this beer is an adjunct lager. I would personally characterize it as being an AAAL (American Amber Adjuct Lager) akin to a beer like Shiner Bock.

I will on occasion drink a Modelo Negra while visiting a local Mexican Restaurant (goes well with tacos and burritos) but then again so does a Shiner Bock or Yuengling Lager for that matter.

Cheers!

 

Really? Not at all for me. It's like a dark Mexican lager to my palate.

 

Yeah, I figured it was kinda like the Dead Guy Ale - Maibock thing. I do agree that the world needs more von Trapp Dunkel, though.

 

These are the type of "[insert style] Appreciation Thread" we should be having...

 

If you drive a couple of hours north in to the mountains of North Carolina and are in Brevard, stop by Brevard Brewing. All of their beers are excellent, but the Dunkel is my favorite and is always found in my beer fridge http://www.brevard-brewing.com/

 

I enjoy Dunkel and enjoy them anytime! Dancing Gnome makes a very good Dunkel called “Dunkel “ which I have been able to find! I agree with @jonphisher with von Trapp Dunkel. Really good and I’ve seen it year round!

 

Von Trapp $9.99 + NJ sales tax at Wegmans at Woodbridge NJ