Beer of the Week: Dunkel Breakin My Heart

From the Beer Writer: Oktoberfest is nigh. It’s the time of year when even people who aren’t that into beer (or have no idea what Oktoberfest is or when it takes place) remember that Germany has a wealth of lager-y goodness to offer. Store shelves fill up with Märzens and different breeds of festbiers. Even Munich-style helles lagers and the occasional bock get extra attention. It’s the type of appreciative environment brewers and beer traditionalists wish they could exist within all year long, for Deutschland’s storied styles go beyond those quaffed out of gigantic steins once a year. One such style that’s far too esoteric in Southern California, primarily due to its maltiness and lack of hop presence, is the Munich-style dunkel, and a fine version called Dunkel Breakin My Heart (try to get that song out of your head now!) is back on tap at 13 Point Brewing in Lemon Grove. With a nose reminiscent of well-toasted pecan pie and flavors of pumpernickel, dates and a touch of anise, one would expect the beer to be heavy, but part of its charm is the way this low-alcohol beer remains deeply nuanced and easy-to-drink.

From the Brewer: “Dunkel Breakin My Heart Is a true Munich-style Dunkel. We first made this beer back in early-2020 for Valentine’s Day. Our brewer Sam Olson put this recipe together and brewed it to perfection. It was so good we had to do it again. Brewed with Munich malt and chocolate wheat, and hopped with Hallertau Tradition hops, this beer is light, crisp and smooth. With its beautiful deep, copper color and rich malt aroma, it’s a perfect style for any time of year. Coming in at 5.5% ABV (alcohol-by-volume) makes it very sessionable. Best of all, it’s on tap now!”—Robert Bessone, Co-founder & Head Brewer, 13 Point Brewing