High above the Wadden Sea a red kite hangs almost motionless on the wind, wings spread against a low orange sun. Rotmilan is simply the German name for that bird, and the beer in the can shares its character: dark feathers, light on the wing. A Munich Dunkel from Fanø with a thin wisp of smoke drifting over it.
Our expert's take on Fanø Bryghus Rotmilan Munich Dunkel Beer
Rotmilan is a collaboration between Fanø Bryghus and Slowburn Brewing Co-Op, the worker-owned cooperative brewery in Albertslund. The starting point is the classic Munich Dunkel, Bavaria's old dark Lager, but the brewers have given it a lightly smoked twist by working some smoked barley into the grist. The smoke never takes the lead. It sits over the bready malt like the lingering scent of a bonfire that went out an hour ago.
The malt bill is surprisingly long for a 5.5% beer: Munich, Pilsner, Chit, Bestmalz Munich 3, Weyermann Munich, Carafa Special 3 and smoked barley. Munich malt brings the fresh toast, Carafa Special 3 deepens the colour without dragging in harsh roast, and the German noble hops Tettnang and Hallertau Tradition keep everything in check at 20 IBU. It's fermented with lager yeast, so you get the clean, bottom-fermented profile the style is known for. Full in colour, but far from heavy.
The can carries the mark A Product of Nationalpark Vadehavet, and the photo of the kite was taken by photographer Casper Sylvester Conradsen. Fanø Bryghus is housed in the island's old power station in Nordby and has been brewing in its current form since 2009.
Tasting notes
Nose
Bread straight from the toaster, crust and a soft breath of smoked malt. Behind it sits a faint herbal note from the noble hops.
Palate
Round and malty, with bread and lightly toasted notes from the Munich malt up front. The smoke arrives a little later, thin and elegant, and the hops shine through without taking over. The body is lighter than the dark colour promises.
Finish
Dry and clean, the way a good Lager should be. A trace of smoke and toasted malt lingers, rounded off by a gentle bitterness.
Specifications
Name: Rotmilan Munich Dunkel
Brewery: Fanø Bryghus
Country/Region: Denmark, Fanø
Beer style: Munich Dunkel
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 20
Size: 44 CL
Hops: Tettnang, Hallertau Tradition
Malt: Munich, Pilsner, Chit, Bestmalz Munich 3, Weyermann Munich, Carafa Special 3, smoked barley
Fermentation: Bottom-fermented, lager yeast
Ingredients: Water, barley malt, hops, yeast
Allergens: Barley malt, contains gluten
Best before: 01.07.2027
EAN no.: 5704250002900
Serving suggestion: At 7 to 9 degrees in a stein or Lager glass, ideally with grilled sausages, schnitzel or smoked fish
Flavour profile
Malty · Toasty · Smoky · Bready
Did you know?
Slowburn Brewing Co-Op brews inside the former Vridsløselille Prison in Albertslund. The brewery is owned by the people who work there, and every member gets exactly one vote when decisions are made.
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