Bürgerbräu Wolnzacher (Nikolausbier) Altfränkisches Dunkel

Brewed by Bürgerbräu Wolnzach
Style: Dunkel
Wolnzach, Germany

A very good beer. Pours out to a cloudy amber in the glass resembling a glass of strong, freshly poured apple cider. The head quickly leaves and in its place is a fresh aroma of malt and yeast. The taste is very, very good. There is a malt explosion that isn't overwhelming, but inviting. I was waiting for a sweet finish due to the malt taste, but it was only light with a slight hop taste as well. A very drinkable beer. This brewery may only have been in existence since 1999, but they brew beer like they've beer around a long time.

Beautiful ruby color with billowing head and lasting lace. Malt has spice, graininess, chocolate, fruitiness. Very complex, with hops in wonderful balance. My favorite dunkel.

Wow! I was surprised by this one. There must be some Chimay yeast in there. The aroma was captivating, full of vinous and roasted scents. It poured like a dubbel, thick and with a minimal, but lasting head, and a reddish brown bottle color. The taste is like a caramel sundae, with a huge malt profile, and little hop presence. The sweetness and thickness left a round taste on the tongue. There really is nothing negative I can say. If this were a little more over the top (higher gravity, stronger spices) i don’t think it could retain its charm. I like where it sits, as a great spring/fall substitute for a belgian strong ale. (I know this isn't how it is positioned - therein lies my surprise)

This one tends to be on the pricey side so I don’t drink it too often, but it never disappoints. I enjoy it only slightly chilled.

Clear reddish body, rising carbonation, medium head. I do get the strawberries in the nose. Malty, not particularly sweet, with just a touch of bitterness in the finish. Very nice.

This is quickly becoming my favorite style. This brew is a wonderful deep mohagony color with nice frothy head out of the bottle. (Not as dark as the photo there). The aroma is most pleasant and nutty. The flavor is smooth and nutty. Not overly sweet at all. Malts rule here, but the Hallertauers add a nice bite at the end.

Hazy red color with a big beige head. Aroma is really sweet with caramel, chocolate and dark fruits. Flavor of caramel malt and some sour fruit. Dry finish.

Caramel colored body with a thin, off-white head. Chewy, malty aroma with light chocolate, toffee, varied bits of citrus fruit and some nuts. A moderate body that is fairly full, but doesn't last long. The nice malt character lasts well into the flavor. Great toasted malts balance the sweetness. Just a touch of hops in the finish adds variety and depth. A really enjoyable and drinkable dunkel.