Jul 28, 2015

Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel

I’m a big fan of dunkels and any time I happen across a new one (especially from a German brewery I haven’t encountered before), it’s usually in the cart or basket with a quickness. Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel is a brew I haven’t come across yet and as it’s billed as “the world´s oldest dark beer,” I find that somewhat disappointing. Whether a result of my own lack of education or it not being readily available in my area, I’ve never enjoyed any of this brewery’s products.

And now, based on this 4.7% ABV dunkel, I can tell you that I will most certainly keep my eyes out for their beers in the future. Barock Dunkel is an excellent example of what I have come to expect of this style. It’s rich, earthy and just down right enjoyable to the last, foamy drop.

Appearance

The beer pours a rusty brown in color with a dense cap of beige foam.

Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel photo

Aroma

Barock Dunkel smells rich and malty with a light roast and burnt caramel notes. There’s a moderately sweet character with distant fruits lingering in the background.

Taste

The flavors of this brew follow the aroma wonderfully. Malt, bread, caramel and a distant blend of fruits wash smoothly over the tongue. A soft char and light bitterness are carried by the medium bodied brew to a smooth and lasting finish. There really isn’t much else to say — it’s damn good.

Overall

I honestly don’t know what to say about this beer other than that it’s just about everything that I want in a dunkel. The combination of rich malt and soft bitterness is wonderfully balanced, making for a beer that screams “old world” and delivers a flavor that is undeniably tasty. I first purchased this beer for review in early June and it’s appeared in my fridge several times since.

Rating: 4/5

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