Coffee Infused German Dark Lager | All-Grain Recipe

This unique gluten-free Schwarzbier combines traditional German dark lager character with the rich complexity of freshly brewed coffee. A malt bill of Vienna and Munich millet malts creates layers of toasted bread, light chocolate, and caramel, while a late coffee addition contributes smooth roast and subtle espresso notes without overwhelming the beer. Adapted from a coffee-infused German dark lager featured in the March/April 2010 issue of Zymurgy, this recipe offers an approachable way to explore one of brewing's classic flavor pairings.

Ingredients

Grain Bill

  • 9.00 lb Vienna Millet Malt
  • 2.00 lb Munich Millet Malt
  • 1.00 lb Caramel Millet Malt
  • 0.50 lb Flaked Quinoa

Hops

  • 3.00 oz Hersbrucker Hops (60 min)
  • 2.00 oz Hersbrucker Hops (30 min)

Other Additions

  • 0.50 lb Light-Roast Central American Coffee
  • 1 Whirlfloc Tablet (10 min)

Yeast

  • 1 package Mangrove Jack's M54 California Lager Yeast

Yeast Nutrient

Use yeast nutrients according to the manufacturer's dosage and timing recommendations.

Brewing Instructions

Refer to our all-grain brewing tutorials for mash and boil procedures. Follow the yeast manufacturer's recommendations for fermentation temperature and control.

Beer at a Glance

Beer Style: Schwarzbier
Recipe Type: All-Grain
Yield: 5 Gallons
IBU: 25.4
SRM: 18.0

Using Ceremix® Flex and Ondea Pro (Requires Both Enzymes)

OG: 1.071
FG: 1.015
ABV: 7.3%

Using Termamyl SC DS and SEBAmyl L (Requires Both Enzymes)

OG: 1.064
FG: 1.013
ABV: 6.69%

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