Fanø Bryghus Rotmilan Munich Dunkel Beer 44 cl 5,5%

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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Frequently asked questions about Fanø Bryghus Rotmilan Munich Dunkel Beer

What does Fanø Bryghus Rotmilan taste like?

Mostly toasted bread and dark malt, with a restrained veil of smoke. The Munich malt gives a round, bready sweetness while the smoked barley stays in the background. The noble hops make for a dry, clean finish.

Is Fanø Bryghus Rotmilan worth the money?

Yes, if you like well-made dark Lagers with a bit of personality. You get a Munich Dunkel built on seven different malts, German noble hops and a collaboration between two of Denmark's more interesting breweries. Fanø Bryghus was named Brewery of the Year by Danish Beer Enthusiasts in 2021.

What kind of beer is a Munich Dunkel?

A Munich Dunkel is a dark, bottom-fermented Lager from Munich and Bavaria, built mainly on Munich malt. The style is malty and bready with low bitterness, and it usually drinks easier than its colour suggests. Rotmilan follows that tradition but adds smoked barley.

Is Rotmilan a smoked beer?

Not really. The smoke is a twist rather than the main event, and on the can's own scale from Malty to Smoky it sits closest to the malty end. If it gives you a taste for smoke, you can take it further with a peaty whisky afterwards.

How long does Rotmilan keep?

Cans from this batch are best before 01.07.2027. Keep it somewhere cool and dark, as the brewery recommends. A Munich Dunkel isn't built for ageing, so drink it while the malt and hops are still fresh.

Does Rotmilan make a good gift?

Yes, especially for anyone into Danish craft beer or German beer styles. The red kite on the label is a striking wildlife photo, and the story of Fanø teaming up with a co-op brewing inside an old prison gives you something to talk about. Pair it with a few other beers from the same brewery.

What temperature should Rotmilan be served at?

Around 7 to 9 degrees. Any colder and the bread and smoke close up. Take it out of the fridge a quarter of an hour before pouring.

Which glass suits a Munich Dunkel best?

A classic stein or a slightly wider Lager glass works well. If you want more from the aroma, a tulip glass does the job nicely. Pour steadily to leave room for a firm head.

What food goes with Rotmilan?

Think Bavarian: grilled sausages, pretzels and a crisp schnitzel. The light smoke also makes it a good match for smoked fish or an open rye bread sandwich. The malt sweetness holds its own against a sharp mustard.

Who is Slowburn Brewing Co-Op?

Slowburn is a worker-owned cooperative brewery in Albertslund, just outside Copenhagen, opened in 2019. They brew everything from Pilsner to mixed-fermentation Sours, with a focus on quality, consistency and drinkability. Rotmilan is their collaboration with Fanø Bryghus.

Where is Fanø Bryghus located?

The brewery sits on Strandvejen in Nordby on Fanø, the northernmost of the Danish Wadden Sea islands. That is also why the can carries the Nationalpark Vadehavet mark. The Wadden Sea itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.