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[expand]Total Score: 35/50
This Dunkel has the right components but the pieces don’t come together to give a rewarding whole. Sweetness is a bit cloying, as if from crystal malt rather than Munich malt, so the rich bready malt profile more >
[close]Total Score: 35/50
Aroma: Light caramel malt aroma. Low level of Munich malt. Maltiness not bready or as intense as the best examples. No hop aroma. No DMS. No diacetyl. Alcohol not evident. No fruity esters. (8/12)
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Appearance: Dark amber color. Bright clarity. Thin, tan head dissipated rapidly, although when forced, the head held up a bit longer. (3/3)
Flavor: Sweet, caramel, with a hint of chocolate malt but not the rich, bready melanoidins expected from the use of Munich malt and decoction mashing. Hop bitterness balances the underlying beer but sweetness overrides the balance to leave a medium-sweet finish. Lingering bitterness in aftertaste. No hop flavor. No DMS. No diacetyl. No fruitiness. Distracting caramel notes from oxidation or older beer; perhaps this bottle didn’t hold up to the shipping during the summer months. (14/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium body with smooth, nearly creamy/slick mouthfeel. No warming alcohol. No astringency. (4/5)
Overall Impression: This Dunkel has the right components but the pieces don’t come together to give a rewarding whole. Sweetness is a bit cloying, as if from crystal malt rather than Munich malt, so the rich bready malt profile is absent. Muted flavors and aromas and caramel-like notes are an indication that age or handling may be a factor since the beer seems like it has suffered. (6/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 43/50
Richness of the aroma was almost bock-like. Flavor was somewhat lighter than the aroma promised. The chocolate malted flavors are well balanced with a moderately low hop bitterness. more >
[close]Total Score: 43/50
Aroma: Rich, toasty, sweet chocolate malted aroma with caramel in the background, reminiscent of an ice cream parlor. No hop aromas; no off aromas, including DMS, diacetyl or fruity esters. (10/12)
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Appearance: Brown with gold highlights; creamy light tan head forms well, but falls to a thin layer on beer surface; brilliant clarity. (3/3)
Flavor: Sweet and toasty malt flavor, though not at the same level of intensity as the aroma seemed to promise. Very low white pepper spicy hop flavor, with just enough bitterness to provide a cleanly balanced middle. No burnt or roasted notes, no diacetyl or off-flavors. Balance is toward toasty malt sweetness, but with a moderately dry, clean, lingering finish. Chocolate malted flavors come more forward as the beer sits a bit. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium full body with firm carbonation. Some alcohol warming that lingers in the finish. A hint of astringency contributes to the dry finish. (5/5)
Overall Impression: Richness of the aroma was almost bock-like. Flavor was somewhat lighter than the aroma promised. The chocolate malted flavors are well balanced with a moderately low hop bitterness. Quite quaffable by the liter; this beer begs for a plate of rotisserie chicken and warm red potato salad with bacon and dill. An excellent American example of a German classic. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 37/50
This seems to be on the mark stylistically, but the sample I judged had an oxidative character that is likely responsible for the transformation of some of the melanoidin components. more >
[close]Total Score: 37/50
Aroma: Munich malt comes through first with distinctive toasted breadcrumb and other melanoidin notes. I also pick up a little caramel sweetness and dark fruits that lend a bit more raisin character than is typical in this style. The esters are low and appropriate for the style. A little roasted malt climbs through the head as it dissipates. (9/12)
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Appearance: Dark brown with ruby highlights and a light beige head that stands up very well. Clarity and conditioning are excellent. (3/3)
Flavor: The melanoidins are up front, as they were in the aroma. The roasted malts are a little sharp, and there are some paper notes in the background that may indicate some accelerated destabilization of the malt flavors (the sample was shipped during warm weather). The yeast esters are subdued, as appropriate for the style, but there are some overripe dark fruit components that I associate with oxidation of melanoidins. The hop bitterness is at a sufficient level to balance the malt sweetness. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: The carbonation level is appropriate, giving some lift to the palate without making it gassy. There is a little astringency and some burnt notes that linger after the beer is swallowed. The finish could be a little smoother. (4/5)
Overall Impression: This seems to be on the mark stylistically, but the sample I judged had an oxidative character that is likely responsible for the transformation of some of the melanoidin components into others which are responsible for the burnt notes in the finish and the overripe fruit character. There are still enough positive traits to make this beer a very good example of the style and a pleasurable drinking experience. (6/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 39/50
Bitterness is a little high. Has a touch of oxidation and a slight metallic flavor. Richness of malt is nice. Very clean lager. Could be a little fresher. more >
[close]Total Score: 39/50
Aroma: Light malt, rich Munich-like qualities, melanoidins, hints of milk chocolate, nutty, toffee notes. Light noble hops. Hint of esters. Clean lager character. Malt is light in character but has the right intensity. Light oxidation, but that makes it seem like some imports. (10/12)
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Appearance: Dark copper color. Clear. Tall beige head, great retention. (3/3)
Flavor: Rich Munich malt quality, hint of roast (too much). Bitterness is medium (too high). Balance is just about even—needs to be maltier. Medium-light hop flavor, a touch metallic though. Clean lager otherwise. Slightly oxidized. Roast and bitterness linger a bit too much in finish. Medium-dry finish after full, rich palate. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium body. Medium-high carbonation—too much, interferes with taste. Smooth. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Bitterness is a little high. Has a touch of oxidation and a slight metallic flavor. Richness of malt is nice. Very clean lager. Could be a little fresher. Back off on roast and bitterness a bit to allow the Munich malt flavor to come through. Obviously a well-crafted lager with authentic ingredient tastes, just a little unbalanced for style and a touch stale. (7/10)
