Day 1: St. Marienthaler Klosterbräu dunkel

...or more simply put, the St. M Dunkel



Poured nice and frothy, with a head that disappeared quickly. I don't know what I was expecting, necessarily, but it wasn't something this dark. I've since learned that "dunkel" is German for dark, at least as far as beers go. It might mean the same thing more broadly, but I'm way more interested in what it means in relation to beer.

Not much in the way of a bouquet. I was sniffing and waiting for the familiar aromas that come with stouts or porters, but it just wasn't there. I took a sip, expecting a flavour like one might find in a dark, bitter ale.

It wasn't like that at all. Malty and fresh with a very nice mixture of caramel and coffee notes. I was thinking this thing would fit right in with many of the ales I had in English pubs last month. But it's a lager. There was a lightness and, I don't know, clean?...quality to it. This beer doesn't wow you with complexity or strong flavours, but it is extremely drinkable. I very much wish I had a few more of them right now.

I'm hesitant to start this calendar off with such a high rating, but I liked this beer a lot. 6 tankards! Wait, no...6 steins!