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Brewing & Fermenting

A CLOSER LOOK AT DARK LAGER

By:Yohanna Best
Share post:
Black Lager
MASHED ISSUE 22

Keen to brew a Dark (Black) Lager? Grab a brew kit from www.mashed.beer and give it a go! To help, here are the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) style guidelines for Dark Lager.

International Dark Lager

Overall Impression: A darker and somewhat sweeter version of international pale lager with a little more body and flavor, but equally restrained in bitterness. The low bitterness leaves the malt as the primary flavor element, and the low hop levels provide very little in the way of balance.

Appearance: Deep amber to dark brown with bright clarity and ruby highlights. Foam stand may not be long lasting, and is beige to light tan in colour.

Aroma: Little to no malt aroma; may have a light corn character. Medium-low to no roast and caramel malt aroma. Hop aroma may range from none to light spicy or floral hop presence. While a clean fermentation profile is generally most desirable, low levels of yeast character (such as a light apple fruitiness) are not a fault. A light amount of DMS or corn aroma is not a fault.

Flavour: Low to medium malty sweetness with medium-low to no caramel and/or roasted malt flavors (and may include hints of coffee, molasses or cocoa). Hop flavour ranges from none to low levels, and is typically floral, spicy, or herbal. Low to medium hop bitterness. May have a very light fruitiness. Moderately crisp finish. The balance is typically somewhat malty. Burnt or moderately strong roasted malt flavors are a defect.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium-light body. Smooth with a light creaminess. Medium to high carbonation.

Style Comparison: Less flavor and richness than Munich Dunkel, Schwarzbier, or other dark lagers. Frequently uses adjuncts, as is typical of other International Lagers.

Vital Statistics

IBU: 8 - 20

SRM: 14 - 22

OG: 1.044 - 1.056

FG: 1.008 - 1.012

ABV: 4.2% - 6%  

(Source: www.bjcp.org )

Commercial examples of Dark Lager which are available in the UK 

Budweiser Budvar Dark Lager (4.7%)

Kostritzer Black Lager (4.8%)

Brixton Brewery Midnight Hour Black Lager (4%)

Duration x Lost & Grounded Tmave Pivo Czech Dark Lager (4.4%)

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