Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel

Brewed by Brauerei Aying
Style: Dunkel
Aying, Germany

A- Pours a dark red/husky brown hue, head is a few fingers’ of white creamy foam with good retention, moderate lacing S- Nose is of moderately sweet caramel malts, a touch of coffee, chocolate, brown sugar, and roastiness T- Initial taste is of roasted malts dominated by caramel and chocolate flavors, progresses to slight hop bitter/dryness and grains, finish is brief, overall very well-balanced M- Light/medium-bodied beer, watery texture, carbonation is a bit amped up and biting, little residual on the palate D- 5%abv means this is one smooth-drinking session beer, I really like the taste profile and aromas from this Dunkel style

Poured from 500 ml bottle. Mainly hit by the roasted malt flavor. Light mouth feel. Carbonation is almost fizzy. Light and drinkable with the roasted flavors and a caramel finish with a slightly fruity aftertaste.

Poured from 500ml bottle into a large mug. Aroma - Aromas of caramel,clove and banana Appearance - Dark copper\red in color with 2 finger white head. Head diminished rather quickly. Very little lacing. Flavor - Caramel with dried fig, clove and banana Palate - A bit slick with very little carbonation Overall - This reminds me of an English Bitter. It’s OK. I expected much more from this because the Celebrator and Centennial lager from the same brewery were incredible.

Brown sugar/malt sweetness, medium carbonation. Alcohol finish was th eonly downside for me.

Sample at the tasting at From the Vine on 1.30.09. Pours a clear dark brown without much head. Roasty aroma with a touch of coffee. Malty and sweet vanilla flavor followed by a hop and coffee finish. Simple, but well done.

I expected more out of a beer with this kind of history. Although it tasted pure and took me to a hostoric time in the European brewing I was suprised at how simple the flavor was. I guess that that might be its appeal though. Easy to drink and still tasty when sipped.

Pours a dark caramel color with a head that doesn’t stick around long. This is a gorgeous beer, although it doesnt have the body that I have come to expect from a lot of German brews. There is a nice brown sugar/carmel sweetness in this one with a touch more carbonation than most. It has a dryness/bitterness that comes mainly from the grains. Overall it is a good beer.

Bottle into stein. Pours a clear dark brown with some ruby showing through, nicely effervescent, with a beautiful creamy off-white head. Nose is caramel, toasty, and a nice, crisp, light fruitiness. Flavor is the same - a toasty caramel sweetness with a hint of nuttiness, bit of cocoa, and some apple coming through too. Finish is long, sweet, a bit nutty. Medium carbonation, light-medium body, maybe a bit watery towards the finish. Really wonderful beer overall.