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Roggenbier

top-fermented

A rye-based variant of Dunkles Weissbier, featuring a greater body and light finishing hops, with bready and peppery flavor, a creamy body, and a dry, grainy finish complemented by weizen yeast characteristics.

Color

14 – 19 SRM

Bitterness

10 – 20 IBU

Alcohol

4.5 – 6.0% ABV

Sweetness

Medium to medium-low bitterness allows initial malt sweetness before yeast and rye character dominate, with a medium-dry, grainy finish.

Balance

Medium to medium-low bitterness allows initial malt sweetness before yeast and rye character dominate, with a medium-dry, grainy finish.

History

Historical Development

Originally brewed in Regensburg, Bavaria in 1988 by Schierlinger, later purchased by Paulaner and positioned as a regional brand, making exports scarce.

Modern Evolution

Classic characteristics

Appearance

Light coppery-orange to dark reddish or coppery-brown. Large creamy off-white to tan head with density and persistence. Cloudy, hazy appearance.

Aroma

Spicy rye aroma (like black pepper) blended with weizen yeast aromatics (spicy clove and fruity esters, either banana or citrus). Light spicy, floral, or herbal hops are acceptable.

Flavor

Grainy, moderately-low to moderately-strong spicy-peppery rye flavor reminiscent of rye or pumpernickel bread. Medium to medium-low bitterness allows initial malt sweetness before yeast and rye character dominate, with a medium-dry, grainy finish.

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium-full body with high carbonation and moderate creaminess.

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Service notes

BJCP designation

Overall Impression: A rye-based variant of Dunkles Weissbier, featuring a greater body and light finishing hops, with bready and peppery flavor, a creamy body, and a dry, grainy finish complemented by weizen yeast characteristics.

Comments: Rye's huskless nature makes mashing difficult, often creating a gummy texture prone to sticking. Caraway seeds are inappropriate additions; authentic spiciness comes solely from rye grain.

Style Comparison: A distinctive Dunkles Weissbier variant using malted rye instead of wheat. American Rye Beers lack weizen yeast character and typically feature more hops.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.046 – 1.056 | FG: 1.010 – 1.014 | IBUs: 10 – 20 | SRM: 14 – 19 | ABV: 4.5 – 6.0%

Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.

Brewers Association designation

Style comparison

Similar Styles

A distinctive Dunkles Weissbier variant using malted rye instead of wheat. American Rye Beers lack weizen yeast character and typically feature more hops.

Ingredients

Grain Bill

Malted rye (up to 60% of grist), pale and wheat malts, crystal-type malts, debittered dark malts, weizen yeast, and German or Czech hops.