15.B - Dunkelweizen (BJCP 2008)


Description

A moderately dark, spicy, fruity, malty, refreshing wheat-based ale. Reflecting the best yeast and wheat character of a hefeweizen blended with the malty richness of a Munich dunkel. Old-fashioned Bavarian wheat beer was often dark. In the 1950s and 1960s, wheat beers did not have a youthful image, since most older people drank them for their healthgiving qualities. Today, the lighter hefeweizen is more common. The presence of Munich and/or Vienna-type barley malts gives this style a deep, rich barley malt character not found in a hefeweizen. Bottles with yeast are traditionally swirled or gently rolled prior to serving.


Profile

Aroma: Moderate to strong phenols (usually clove) and fruity esters (usually banana). The balance and intensity of the phenol and ester components can vary but the best examples are reasonably balanced and fairly prominent. Optionally, a low to moderate vanilla character and/or low bubblegum notes may be present, but should not dominate. Noble hop character ranges from low to none. A light to moderate wheat aroma (which might be perceived as bready or grainy) may be present and is often accompanied by a caramel, bread crust, or richer malt aroma (e.g., from Vienna and/or Munich malt). Any malt character is supportive and does not overpower the yeast character. No diacetyl or DMS. A light tartness is optional but acceptable.
Appearance: Light copper to mahogany brown in color. A very thick, moussy, long-lasting off-white head is characteristic. The high protein content of wheat impairs clarity in this traditionally unfiltered style, although the level of haze is somewhat variable. The suspended yeast sediment (which should be roused before drinking) also contributes to the cloudiness.
Flavor: Low to moderately strong banana and clove flavor. The balance and intensity of the phenol and ester components can vary but the best examples are reasonably balanced and fairly prominent. Optionally, a very light to moderate vanilla character and/or low bubblegum notes can accentuate the banana flavor, sweetness and roundness; neither should be dominant if present. The soft, somewhat bready or grainy flavor of wheat is complementary, as is a richer caramel and/or melanoidin character from Munich and/or Vienna malt. The malty richness can be low to medium-high, but shouldn


Ingredients

By German law, at least 50% of the grist must be malted wheat, although some versions use up to 70%; the remainder is usually Munich and/or Vienna malt. A traditional decoction mash gives the appropriate body without cloying sweetness. Weizen ale yeasts produce the typical spicy and fruity character, although extreme fermentation temperatures can affect the balance and produce off-flavors. A small amount of noble hops are used only for bitterness.


Examples

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel, Ayinger Ur-Weisse, Franziskaner Dunkel Hefe-Weisse, Schneider Weisse (Original), Ettaler Weissbier Dunkel, Hacker-Pschorr Weisse Dark, Tucher Dunkles Hefe Weizen, Edelweiss Dunkel Weissbier, Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel, Kapuziner Weissbier Schwarz


Ranges

Data Min. Max.
Original gravity 1.044 1.056
Final gravity 1.010 1.014
Bitterness 10.0 IBU 18.0 IBU
Color 27.6 EBC 45.3 EBC
Alcohol 4.30 ° 5.60 °


Recipes on Zython (7)

Connivence C28G- DunkelWeizen
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
4.7% 22 IBU 220.0 l vincenW38
08/01/2023
Connivence C28F- DunkelWeizen
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
4.7% 8 IBU 220.0 l vincenW38
25/06/2022
Connivence C28E- DunkelWeizen
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
4.8% 8 IBU 220.0 l vincenW38
25/03/2022
Connivence C28C - DunkelWeizen
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
4.5% 111 IBU 110.0 l vincenW38
17/10/2021
Connivence C28 - DunkelWeizen
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
4.6% 110 IBU 110.0 l vincenW38
03/10/2021
Dunkelpüree
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
5.2% 15 IBU 46.0 l pcoujoulou
19/03/2018
0svald
All grain- 15.B - Dunkelweizen
7.8% 28 IBU 4.0 l spenali
13/08/2014


Styles in the same category