Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel

Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel. Munich Dunkel Lager.
5 % ABV. 21 IBU.
Privatbrauwerei Ayinger, Bayern, Germany.
Authentic Bavarian Dark.

Clear, caramel brown color, large-ish head that drift down swiftly.

In the nose: Sweet and malty. Caramel and plums. Brown sugar.

In the mouth: Rich and malty on the tongue. Toasty, sweet, but balanced. Modicum of hops amidst a mass of malt, while clean, smooth, light bodied, and oh, so tasty. Caramel and toffee flavors on top, with dark fruit just below, raisins, plums, a dash of nuttiness, and it's pretty much yum-a-dum-dum.

I first wrote about this one nearly 18 years ago. I think that in the intervening years that I have become fonder of this style of beer. I also think that this may be a fresher sample than the one that I had when I took these notes that I posted to BeerAdvocate.com in December of 2002: Cream-colored head, dissolves quickly. Malt background prominent. Toffeeish sweetness, quick, but pleasing finish.Nutty flavors, coppery, metallic, even. Very little hoppiness, clean, simple. Dark lager isn't one of my favorite styles, but this has to be one the best.

Up until the Second World War, dark beer was the predominant beer type in the Munich area. The hard water found in the region played a special role in producing this specialty. In his book “Beer International”, the world-renowned English beer writer, Michael Jackson, accurately describes the Ayinger “Altbairisch Dunkel” as: “A good example of its kind. Impenetrably dark with a golden-brown gleam when held up to the light, and with a warm aroma and malty taste, while summoning up coffee taste sensations on going down. It is brewed from five types of malt (two of which are torrified dark), and it is only lightly hopped.” It is produced using the traditional double fermentation process.