When it comes to brewing a Dunkel, selecting the right yeast is crucial in achieving the desired flavor profile. While there are several yeast options available, I have found that a good German lager yeast works best for this style. In particular, I highly recommend using either White Labs WLP883 (German Bock Lager) or Wyeast 2308 (Munich Lager) for optimal results.
Both of these yeast strains are known for their ability to produce clean and crisp lagers with a rich malty character, which is exactly what you want in a Dunkel. They are commonly used in traditional German beer styles and have proven to be reliable and consistent in their performance.
White Labs WLP883 is specifically tailored for brewing Bock lagers, which are similar in style to Dunkels. It exhibits excellent fermentation characteristics, including a relatively high alcohol tolerance and the ability to produce a smooth and well-rounded flavor profile. This yeast can accentuate the maltiness of the beer while still allowing the other flavors to shine through.
On the other hand, Wyeast 2308 is a Munich Lager yeast strain that is suitable for brewing a wide range of lager styles, including Dunkels. It has the ability to create a rich and full-bodied beer with a slightly sweet malty profile. This yeast also ferments well at cooler temperatures, which is essential for lager production.
While both of these yeast strains are excellent choices, I personally lean towards using Wyeast 2308 for brewing my Dunkels. I find that it helps to highlight the maltiness and adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the style. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, and I would encourage you to experiment with both yeast strains to see which one you prefer.
If you are unable to source either of these yeast strains, an alternative option could be White Labs WLP830 (German Lager) yeast. Although not specifically designed for Dunkels, it is a versatile yeast that can still produce excellent results. It is known for its clean fermentation profile and ability to create a well-balanced beer.
The best yeast for brewing a Dunkel is a good German lager yeast. White Labs WLP883 (German Bock Lager), Wyeast 2308 (Munich Lager), and White Labs WLP830 (German Lager) are all viable options, with the first two being highly recommended for their ability to enhance the maltiness and overall flavor profile of the beer. Ultimately, the choice of yeast depends on your personal taste preferences and the specific characteristics you are looking to achieve in your Dunkel.