Atwater Dunkel

Brewed by Atwater Block Brewery
Style: Dunkel
Detroit, Michigan USA

Serve in Dimpled mug, Lager glass, Stein

(12 oz bottle: Obtained 30-Jan-06 in trade with Sully, thanks Mike!) Moderately-flavorful, dark, toasty malts are overshadowed by a fair amount of lemony sourness which to me indicates a moderate infection. Still, it doesn’t taste bad, but far too sour for the style. The toasty, mulchy nose is just as sour as the flavor, again not bad, but totally wrong. Medium bodied, and the sourness lends a bit of refreshing character to the mouthfeel, unintentional as it might be. Rusty brown in color and fairly cloudy, especially with all the particles suspended in the beer. Small, off-white head fades to a thin ring rather quickly. So far, I’m 2 for 2 with Atwater beers being infected.

Called Atwater Dunkel on my bottle. The body is very dark brown with a hint of very dark red at the edges. The head is slightly off white. The aroma is cheap pancake syrup with some light chocolate and bubblegum. The taste is dark chocolate with some iced tea. There is also a slight grassy note in the finish. The body is medium with a sticky finish. The highly carbonated brew is a pretty good example of the style.

Bottle from Sully Thanks!

Pours a beautiful black. Aroma is Aqua Net hairspray. Seriously- sniff hard; it WILL remind you of your grandma. Flavor has a tinge of sweet cherry, and a subdued sour drop finish. Palate coats. Not bad.

Dark brown with a tan head. Aroma is toasted notes, dirt, malt, and something I can’t quite figure out. Mouthfeel is creamy and somewhat watery. Flavor has berries not sure what kind, but seems like a mix, and a slight taste of toasted bread. Very sweet and smooth.

Deep ruby/garnet red body, medium-thick creamy, light tan head. Light chocolatey aroma, with notes of biscuit, toast, and somewhat sweet. Licorice, toast, and earthy hops dominate the body, with hints of berries or other dark fruits in the background. Light, though, and the flavors don’t quite meld together.

I enjoy a good dunkel, but am not too fond of this one. It tastes a bit sour and nutty, not bitter enough.

On tap: Roasted malt aroma. Dark brown with red hilights with an off-white head. Excellent lacing. Sweet and roasty thoughout. Has a nutty finish with barely some sourness. A light fruitiness hides in the background.

Bottle... Clear, dark, ruby lager with a large, creamy, off-white head. Terrific retention. Very subtle aromas and flavors of toffee, chocolate, almonds and balancing, drying hops. Light-bodied and lightly creamy with lively carbonation. Short, thin, clean finish. Refreshing and very drinkable for a lager.