Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel

Reviewed By: Rick S.
Style: Dunkel
State/Country: Germany
ABV: 5.0%
Serving Type: 16.9 oz Bottle

Look: 9
Deep reddish brown color, very clear, with a dense tan head with nice lacing

Smell: 9
Bready malts, toffee, and a hint of smoke


Taste: 9.5
Up Front: Crisp hoppy flavor giving way to sweet malt and a touch of caramel. Finish: Dry, malty and grainy...YUM!

Mouthfeel: 9
Medium body & carbonation

Drinkability: 9.5
A malt-forward beer that finishes clean and dry...very refreshing!

Overall Score: 9.2
Value: 10
Cost/12 oz serving: $2.13

Overall Impression:
What can I say...Ayinger simply produces top-notch German beers! Sadly, Dunkel had fallen out of favor since the onslaught of Pilsner. Although it is a typically around 5% ABV, it is actually a very flavorful style.  Not to be confused with many European beers that are merely doused with coloring agents and passed off as "dark", this is an authentic Dunkel which gets it's color from Munich Malts and the German style of mashing known as decoction. This is the style of beer known as Liquid Bread, and one taste of this beer and you'll see why!  It's a great session-able beer that is great all by itself or with food.
 
Food Pairings:
Suzy QCB and I had it with Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Veggies, and it was amazing! The malt and mild caramel flavors are a perfect match with all types of roasted meats, particularly pork. Roasted veggies, sweet & sour foods, sauerkraut and even pickled veggies wouild match up with the sweet malt as well. Sausages, especially German styles are perfect with Dunkel. It even goes well with spicy dishes and Chinese food.