Dunkels Weizen

Tasting Notes

Dunkles weizen is very popular in lower Bavaria and the Barvarian Forest. Dunkles weizen is the dark version of paler weizenbiers, but with a more pronounced malty aroma and flavor. Also, dunkles weizen usually has a little less of the characteristic phenolic, estery, fruity notes. The combination of wheaty tartness and the richness of dark malts make this style full of flavor and complexity. The alcohol content may be slightly less than other weizens since there is less fermentable extract in dark malt. A very mild sourness is acceptable for this style. These beers are similar in flavor to hefe weizen, but the malt aroma is more pronounced.

Brewing Techniques

The process involved in brewing a dunkel weizen is much the same as that for a kristal weizen, except for some minor differences in mashing and boiling. A double-decoction mash is more suited for brewing a dunkel weizenbier since it increases the amino acid concentration of the wort - as darker malts typically yield less amino acids than pale malts. Decoction mashing also helps to deepen the color and intensify the malty, bread-like aroma and flavor of a dunkel weizen.

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