Ayinger Privatbrauerei – Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel
Brewery
Ayinger Privatbrauerei
Name of Beer
Altbairisch Dunkel
Style
Location
A.B.V.
5%
Beeradvocate Score
86
Altbairisch Dunkel Description
Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel represents authentic Bavarian brewing heritage, as up until the Second World War, dark beer was the predominant beer type in the Munich area, with the region’s hard water playing a special role in producing this specialty. Translated into English, the name literally means “Old Bavarian Dark Beer.”
It represents the most traditional style of beer in Bavaria. This exceptional beer is brewed from five types of malt, two of which are torrified dark and are only lightly hopped, produced using the traditional double fermentation process. At 5% ABV with 21 IBUs, this Munich Dunkel showcases the craftsmanship of Privatbrauerei Ayinger, a Bavarian fixture for 150 years and one of the world’s classic breweries.
Altbairisch Dunkel Tasting Notes
Beer writer Michael Jackson accurately describes this beer as “impenetrably dark with a golden-brown gleam when held up to the light, with a warm aroma and malty taste, while summoning up coffee taste sensations on going down.“ This Dunkel pours rich brown in color with a fluffy tan head, featuring a malty core at the forefront with notes of lightly toasted brown bread, walnut skins, and brown sugar, all balanced by a soft, floral hop note.
The aroma showcases swirling notes of figs and sweet toffee, punctuated by fresh-baked bread aromas, topped with spicy German hops and subtle hints of milk chocolate and warm toast. The flavor presents clean, bright malt and sweet toffee notes, accompanied by a mélange of toffee, caramel, and toasted coconut, creating an exceptionally balanced malt showcase. This well-crafted lager showcases a lovely combination of worn leather, sweet tobacco, dried sweet cherries, and a dusting of chocolate, remaining crisp from start to finish with a Sherry-like depth woven throughout.
Altbairisch Dunkel Food Pairings
This versatile beer pairs excellently with pasta and meat sauce, potato dumplings, choucroute, assorted delicatessen, freshly baked bread, egg rolls, spring rolls, and salmon sausage. Munich Dunkel’s maltiness pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sausages, and barbecue while also complementing earthy dishes like mushroom risotto or hearty stews. With its darker, earthy notes, this beer pairs perfectly with mushroom brie or steak accompanied by mushroom gravy.
It would be an excellent pairing with slow-cooked beef and root vegetable stew. The beer’s smooth, malty character and moderate bitterness make it incredibly food-friendly, working beautifully with traditional Bavarian fare like schnitzel and pretzels, as well as rich, savory dishes that complement its coffee and chocolate undertones.
Despite its “dark beer” status, Altbairisch Dunkel should be an absolute go-to beer for any occasion, offering the perfect balance of traditional Bavarian brewing excellence with exceptional drinkability.