Hofmann Export Dunkel
Brewery: Hofmann
Town: Hohenschwärz
Style: Dunkles
Color: dark brown, unfiltered
Head: rocky, light tan
Nose: malty
Body: full-bodied
Palate: malty, slight roast, a touch of chocolate
Finish: dryish, bittersweet
Served: on tap at the brewery
Impression: This is their signature brew, a dryish Dunkles with a touch of chocolate. It’s a much beloved beer on this famed beer hiking trail but it’s best to drink it prior to the drier, hoppier beers from Thuisbrunn. Unfortunately, it’s not logistically the way to do the hike. If you have more time in the area, this is a good starter beer and I’ve found I really liked it when it was not following more bitter beers. No matter how you toss it, it’s a fine Dunkles that pairs well with typical Franconian roasts, laden with rich sauces.