The Bruery Expands its Ruekeller Line of Lagers with Ruekeller Dunkel

Two years ago, The Bruery launched its European inspired lager, Ruekeller: Helles to much fanfare. Now the Orange County, California brewer will begin to expand and share its love of lagers with the new rotating seasonal Ruekeller: Dunkel.

Challenging in process, traditional in method, Ruekeller: Dunkel is inspired by old-world brewing techniques in the likeness of the traditional name. We crafted this Bavarian-style dunkel with the finest of ingredients, the utmost of care, and years of experience in brewing extraordinary craft lagers. Ruekeller: Dunkel is a 6.2% ABV dark lager that’s lightly sweet with notes of mild caramel, chocolate, and a satisfying nuttiness.

“Ruekeller: Dunkel is brewed with the traditional method of krausening,” stated Stefan Weber, Production Manager for The Bruery. “At the end of fermentation we throw in about 10% new beer to clean it up and make it extra crisp and refreshing, this also helps us avoid any undesirable flavors. The method also produces carbonation without the need to use sugars or other adjuncts. This beer was a labor of love; we say ‘hard to brew, easy to drink’. Dunkel turned out incredible, with a lot of bready character and a touch of roasty and chocolatey notes; I’m going to be drinking this in my backyard all Spring.”

With The Bruery’s expansive portfolio of unique and interesting beers (over 160 beers each year), we often say we brew to ‘taste over style’, but in the case of our lagers we are truly inspired by the traditional old-world techniques that these beers are known for. “Our Bruers create such unique and innovative beers every day, every once in a while they go back to tradition and truly perfect a classic style like this dunkel.” says Brand Director, Caitie Gold. “Our Bruers are experts in their craft and technique, and this style really highlights that expertise. We love our lagers here at The Bruery; next time you spot a table of off-the-clock Bruers on our Tasting Room patio, check out how many are sipping on one of our lagers.”

The name Ruekeller is a play on words, paying homage to both the traditional krausen method of brewing fine lagers, and The Bruery’s namesake, Patrick Rue. In German, “ruh” literally translates to “quiet or “peace,” while in brewing, the Ruhkeller, or “Rest Cellar,” is where the beer is krausened.

Ruekeller: Dunkel is now available across The Bruery’s 29 state distribution footprint in 4-pack 16oz cans as well as on draft in your favorite bar or restaurant. The Bruery also offers delivery across California, Virginia, New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Use TheBruery.com/find to find their beer on shelves and on tap across the country.