Dark American Lager

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Dark American Lager and American Dark Lager are terms used to describe lagers brewed by many American breweries that feature darker colors and somewhat stronger malt flavors than ordinary American Pale Lager.

These beers are typically clean, balanced lagers in the American style, lacking the bitterness and roasted character typical of the German Schwarzbier. While sometimes labeled as "Bock" by the brewer, these beers lack the rich melanoidin maltiness of true Bock beers.

History of Dark American Lager

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Brewing Dark American Lager

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Competition Styles

Both the BJCP and the GABF style guidelines recognize Dark American Lager as a distinct style.

BJCP Style Guidelines

Dark American Lager

4A. Dark American Lager Vital Statistics
BJCP Style Guideline Definition (2004)
IBUs: 8-20 SRM: 14-22 OG: 1.044-1.056 FG: 1.008-1.012 ABV: 4.2-6
Aroma: Little to no malt aroma. Medium-low to no roast and caramel malt aroma. Hop aroma may range from none to light spicy or floral hop presence. Hop aroma may range from none to light, spicy or floral hop presence. Can have low levels of yeast character (green apples, DMS, or fruitiness). No diacetyl.
Appearance: Deep amber to dark brown with bright clarity and ruby highlights. Foam stand may not be long lasting, and is usually light tan in color.
Flavor: Little to no malt aroma. Medium-low to no roast and caramel malt aroma. Hop aroma may range from none to light spicy or floral hop presence. Hop aroma may range from none to light, spicy or floral hop presence. Can have low levels of yeast character (green apples, DMS, or fruitiness). No diacetyl.
Mouthfeel: Light to somewhat medium body. Smooth, although a highly-carbonated beer.
Overall Impression: Little to no malt aroma. Medium-low to no roast and caramel malt aroma. Hop aroma may range from none to light spicy or floral hop presence. Hop aroma may range from none to light, spicy or floral hop presence. Can have low levels of yeast character (green apples, DMS, or fruitiness). No diacetyl.
History: not specified
Comments: A broad range of international lagers that are darker than pale, and not assertively bitter and/or roasted.
Ingredients: Two- or six-row barley, corn or rice as adjuncts. Light use of caramel and darker malts. May use coloring agents.
Commercial Examples: Dixie Blackened Voodoo, Shiner Bock, San Miguel Dark, Beck's Dark, Saint Pauli Girl Dark, Warsteiner Dunkel, Crystal Diplomat Dark Beer

GABF Style Listings

American-Style Dark Lager

32. American-Style Dark Lager
GABF Style Listing (2007)
This beer's malt aroma and flavor are low but notable. Its color ranges from a very deep copper to a deep, dark brown. Its body is light. Non malt adjuncts are often used, and hop rates are low. Hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma are low. Carbonation is high. Fruity esters, diacetyl, and chill haze should not be perceived.
Original Gravity (ºPlato): 1.040-1.050 (10-12.5 ºPlato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato): 1.008-1.012 (2 -3 ºPlato)
Alcohol by Weight (Volume): 3.2-4.4% (4-5.5%)
Bitterness (IBU): 14-20
Color SRM (EBC): 14-25 (28-50 EBC)
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