Erdinger Weiss Dunkel

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Price: £3.55

Description 5.6% Strong dark wheat beer brewed in Bavaria since 1991, Smooth and chocolaty, all the ingredients come from the farms surrounding the area of Erding in Bavaria. Chocolaty malty beer quite thick and syrupy bitter in the finish, good with a heavy meal and cleaner than some other dunkel weiss. Erdinger Weissbier 'dark' is a rich and smooth wheat beer specialty from Erdinger Weissbräu. It owes its full-bodied flavor to the fine hops and dark malt used in its production. The dark beer specialty is brewed according to an age-old recipe. Its spicy flavor also results from the increased proportion (about 13%) of original wort. Nonetheless, at 5.6%, it doesn't contain much more alcohol than Erdinger Weissbier 'with fine yeast'. Like all Erdinger wheat beers, this dark variety also acquires its typical flavor from maturing in the bottle. Years of brewing experience coupled with state-of-the-art technology guarantee its excellent quality. This beer is a relatively recent (1991) addition to Erdinger's range and is brewed using both pale and dark wheat and barley malts. The result is rather pleasant - a light, powdery chocolate nose with some spice, and a silky palate of caramel and milk chocolate, with a smoky hint. A little like drinking confectionery, but with less sweetness. Aftertaste is mainly malty. A very interesting, complex offering, extremely light and drinkable despite its relatively high strength. Nearly black in appearance with hues of tarnished ruby, thick powdery tiny bubbled lace lays on top then drops down to a thin stable lace. Fruity aromas with tones of prune and black currants, light alcohol esters are in the nose also. Malty with a mild spiciness in the aroma. Bold and crisp taste upfront with a spicy tingle that is enhanced by the medium leveled carbonation. Solid and clean maltiness on the palate, crisp snappish wheat with undertones of caramel and bread. Hops are subdued with little in the flavour, fruity from middle to end with dark fruit flavours. Mild cocoa and husk flavours drawn on a dryness, alcoholic esters gather towards the end. Dry in the finish though there are a few left over residuals in the mouth so hold the body together far into the end. Spicy with a clean, rich malty flavour from start to end. This makes for a near stellar brew of such a delicate style. This beer pairs well with curries, german cuisine, nutty cheeses such as Asiago, Colby and Parmesan, also pairs well with salmon dishes and hearty dishes. 50cl bottle.