Overview for the Dunkelweizen

Similar to a Hefeweizen, these southern German wheat beers are brewed as darker versions (Dunkel means “dark”) with deliciously complex malts and a low balancing bitterness. Creamy and full-bodied, most Dunkelweizen are medium amber to amber-brown and appear slightly murky from the weizen yeast. Phenolic (clove) and fruity (banana, bubble gum) character will usually be present in the nose, and some examples may even taste like banana bread.

Style Expectations

The German-style Dunkelweizen can be considered a cross between a German-style dunkel and a hefeweizen. Distinguished by its sweet maltiness and chocolate-like character, it can also have banana and clove (and occasionally vanilla or bubblegum) esters from weizen ale yeast.

Appearance

The Dunkelweizen appears somewhat cloudy to hazy with a color that ranges from a deep copper to a dark brown. Slow rising bubbles are visible in the glass.

Aroma

The Dunkelweizen usually contain hints of vanilla, banana, apple, clove, and nutmeg. Hops are not perceived in the aroma.

Flavor

Bready or grainy, with a distinct sweet maltiness and a chocolate-like character from roasted malt. Esters and phenols should be present but mild. Hop bitterness is low.

Mouthfeel

Its body is moderate to full and can be mouth-coating. Its carbonation is light to moderate.

Reviews

Dunkle Weisse

Dunkelweizen  •  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.Privatbrauerei Ayinger

Dunkle Weisse, a German-style Dunkelweizen by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. & Ayinger Brewery tastily offers sweet fruit esters on a creamy and spicy backbone. Read More

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