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Pilot Dunkel

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Pilot's version of the dark Bavarian lager, first released in June 2026. Munich malts lead and bring biscuit, bread and caramel, according to the brewery. A gentle bitterness from noble hops balances the malt sweetness, and the finish is crisp. Dark, robust and moreish are the house keywords. Wheat is listed in the grist next to barley. 5.2%. The beer also forms part of the brewery's autumn lager selection.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
deep amber20
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
caramelmaltybready
caramel
malty
bready
noble hop
wheat
roasted
Aroma
Munich malt dominates the nose with prominent notes of bread crust and toasted biscuit, underpinned by subtle caramel sweetness.
also:clean,dark fruit
not found:hoppy,chocolate,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Pilot Dunkel

◎ Appearance

Deep copper-brown with a dark mahogany hue, reflecting the 20 SRM specification. Clarity is good, with a dense, tan head that displays solid retention and forms fine lacing on the glass. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a refined bubble structure typical of the lager style.

deep mahoganydense headfine lacingmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

Munich malt dominates the nose with prominent notes of bread crust and toasted biscuit, underpinned by subtle caramel sweetness. Noble hops contribute a restrained herbal undertone that prevents the malt impression from becoming cloying. The wheat in the grist adds a light, grainy softness to the overall aromatic profile.

bread, biscuitcaramel sweetnessnoble hopsgrainy wheat note

◐ Taste

The palate opens with full malt character—biscuit and bread flavors build through the mid-palate, supported by gentle caramel notes. A measured bitterness from noble hops (22 IBU) emerges gradually, providing balance without asserting dominance. The finish transitions to a crisp, clean conclusion that invites another sip.

malt-forwardbalanced bitternessclean finishquaffable

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and lingering, with residual bread-like maltiness fading to a dry, refreshing aftertaste. Noble hop bitterness persists gently, leaving the palate ready for the next drink.

crispdry finishfood-friendly
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
79
Taste
78
Appearance
78
Finish
77
Serve at 7–9°C

Serve at 7–9°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Stein

The sturdy German stein maintains temperature and keeps carbonation intact. Built for long, convivial drinking.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Pilot Dunkel

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About Dunkel

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Dunkel?

Dunkel is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Dunkel

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same crisp, caramel, malty character as Pilot Dunkel will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Dunkel beers in hopIQ →Browse United Kingdom beers →