German Dunkel - 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit

$36.00

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German Dunkel is a rich, malt-forward Munich-style lager built on a deep bed of Weyermann Munich Malt Type 1, which delivers the toasted bread crust character that defines the style. Briess Pilsen Malt rounds out the base, while small additions of Weyermann Caramunich Type 2, Briess Chocolate Malt, and Briess Midnight Wheat add color, light caramel sweetness, and depth — without ever tipping into burnt or bitter territory. German Hallertau Mittelfruh hops provide a gentle, floral bitterness that keeps the beer balanced and easy-drinking. The finish is smooth, clean, and malt-driven, with a deep amber-brown color true to traditional Bavarian Dunkel.

Brewing 5 gallons of German Dunkel is straightforward for brewers with a complete all-grain brewing system:

Mash: Convert grain starches into fermentable sugars with a balanced mash profile for a rich, malt-forward body.
Sparge: Rinse the grains to collect sweet wort.
Boil: Add Hallertau Mittelfruh hops for bittering, flavor, and aroma at timed intervals for balanced noble hop character.
Ferment: Ferment with lager yeast at controlled temperatures (50–55°F) until clean and fully attenuated.
Enjoy: Ready to drink in about 4 weeks from brew day to glass.

This all-grain German Dunkel delivers the rich, bready depth of a traditional Munich lager with a smooth, malt-forward finish in every pour.

Liquid yeast can deliver excellent fermentation performance and a wider range of strain options, but it’s a living, perishable product that requires a little extra care.

Liquid yeast may arrive warm. Ice packs help reduce heat exposure but do not guarantee cold arrival.
Refrigerate it when received and plan to brew as soon as possible.
We recommend adding an insulated mailer + ice pack to liquid yeast orders.
During May–September, dry yeast is strongly recommended due to higher shipping temperatures.
Liquid yeast is final sale and cannot be replaced due to heat exposure during transit.

New to liquid yeast? Read our Complete Guide to Liquid Yeast →

German Dunkel - 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit

From $36.00

What You'll Brew

German Dunkel (Munich Dark Lager)

A rich, malty Munich-style lager brewed with Bonlander Munich Malt and traditional German Hallertau Mittelfruh hops. Expect toasted bread crust and light caramel character, a smooth medium body, and a malt-forward finish — dark amber beer built on richness, not roast.

What's Inside the German Dunkel - 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit

This 5-gallon German Dunkel Beer Recipe Kit includes:

Weyermann Munich Malt Type 1
Briess Pilsen Malt
Weyermann Caramunich Type 2
Briess Chocolate Malt
Briess Midnight Wheat
Hallertau Mittelfruh Hops (bittering)
Hallertau Mittelfruh Hops (flavor and aroma)
Your choice of dry yeast or liquid yeast

Note: You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing system. Brewing equipment is not included.

Make Your Next Batch with the German Dunkel Beer Recipe Kit

Already have your own 5 gallon all-grain system? This German Dunkel kit includes everything you need to make your next batch. Our German Dunkel recipe includes the grains you need, and none of the equipment that you don't. From mash to glass, this is the ultimate DIY German Dunkel experience for passionate homebrewers.

Easy Steps to Making German Dunkel Beer

Brewing 5 gallons of German Dunkel is a rewarding process that highlights rich Munich malt character and clean lager fermentation. Our step-by-step instructions guide you through brew day, fermentation, and packaging, helping you achieve a malty, bready dark lager with smooth drinkability.

Make Your Beer Look As Good As It Tastes.

You brewed something worth showing off. Starting at $4.99, give your bottles the finishing touch with our beer labels. Perfect for sharing your latest batch, gifting a few, or stocking your fridge with pride.

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After

Looking For Instructions?

Every all-grain kit comes with instructions to guide you through the brew day, fermentation and beyond. We provide recipe-specific tips tailored to your exact recipe, including mash temperature, fermentation timelines and more.

View The Instructions

See The FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this German Dunkel 5 Gallon All Grain kit include brewing equipment?

No. This is a recipe kit that includes all the ingredients and instructions you need to brew. You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing system, including a mash tun, brew kettle, fermenter, and bottling equipment.

Is this a lager or an ale?

This is a traditional German lager. It's fermented cool and clean, letting the rich Munich malt character take center stage.

What fermentation temperature is recommended?

Lager yeast performs best between 50–55°F for clean, traditional character. If you cannot maintain lager temperatures, consider using a Kveik yeast strain as an alternative.

How long does it take to brew?

Brew day takes about 4–6 hours, including mashing, sparging, boiling, and cleanup. After that, the beer ferments for about 2 weeks, followed by about 2 weeks of bottle conditioning. Total time from brew day to glass is about 4 weeks.

Is this recipe kit beginner-friendly?

This kit is designed for brewers with all-grain experience and equipment. Lager brewing also requires temperature control during fermentation. If you're new to brewing, we recommend starting with one of our extract recipe kits, which require less equipment and a simpler process.

Can I brew this year-round?

Yes. German Dunkel is a versatile style that can be brewed and enjoyed year-round. Its rich, malty character makes it a natural fit for brewing ahead of Oktoberfest season, but it's satisfying any time of year, as long as you can maintain proper lager fermentation temperatures.

Not an All-Grain Brewer? Try the Extract German Dunkel 5 Gallon Beer Recipe Kit

Our dry malt extract version of this recipe gives you the same classic German Dunkel flavor with a simpler process. Perfect if you’re just starting out or want a quicker brew.

Get The Extract Recipe Kit