Leinenkugel's Bavarian Dunkel

Another beer gifted to me by a guy who doesn't drink beer. Did he choose wisely? Well, he certainly wouldn't know, but the previous two were at least enjoyable to try out (even though Packerland Pilsner could definitely been better). I am grateful for any opportunity to try a new beer, and this is one.

The beer is a deep brown with red tint and a thin head that disappears almost completely as the few bubbles that are left are right around the rim of the glass. The aroma is malt, nuts, and just a bit of berries. The malt is thick, sweet, and somewhat grainy.

First sip is slightly tart with smoke and oak seeming to be front and center with this beer, even though I don't think I smelled either of them in the aroma. Sometimes, an unexpected change like that is good, and sometimes it's bad. In this case, it's not bad, but a sip is like looking at a masterpiece trough a mail slot. Time for a swig.

Tip-in is light carbonation with brown sugar, cherries, twigs, and a touch of smoke. It's kind of a friendly handshake to start the beer off. The middle is a bit rough with oak and grains fighting it out with smoke swirling around them. The finish comes with a sweeter, nuttier personality that is definitely worth the wait. The trail-off has a bit of bitterness to it.

Bottom Line: Good enough to order when out, and I might even say it'd be a good beer for passing a cold winter evening.

2.75/5