St. Pauli Girl Special Dark - St. Pauli Brauerei C.L. Wilh. Brandt Gmbh & Co.

civilizedpsycho

Michigan

2.75/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Appearance: Dark brown with only a little transparency. Not much of a head.

Smell: Has what I can only describe as a slightly funky malt smell. Not exactly offensive, but not exactly appealing.

Taste: Again, it has a slightly funky malt taste. I like that it doesn't seem like it is cut with anything, but it's just okay.

Mouthfeel: Pretty thin. Has very little body to it.

Drinkability: It's not awful, but I don't think I would get this again. Maybe if the mood struck me just right, but I doubt it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2009 00:19:44 | More by civilizedpsycho

smokinyodas

Florida

3.19/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

Clear dark brown pour, fast dissipating fine white head. Lightly roasted malty aroma and sweetness flavor with a tad bit of biscuit and bitter spices from the hops. In short it's just a below Average Dunkel and probably not the best example of the class, but it's still easily drinkable. And if I was to describe this beer it would be like a watery Pilsner with lightly roasted malts.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2013 04:55:41 | More by smokinyodas

UCLABrewN84

California

2.9/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.75

Best before 7/2012. Oops.

Pours a clear dark reddish-orange with a foamy khaki head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small streaks and dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt, caramel, and bread. Taste is much the same with burnt and fruity flavors on the finish. There is a medium amount of roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a slightly below average beer that is drinkable but nothing I would want to drink again.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 04:14:08 | More by UCLABrewN84

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.73/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

I was expected/hoping for a more...shall we say, ethnic?...version of the Girl on the label. Oh well... This stuff pours a clear garnet-brown topped by a finger of sandy tan foam. The nose comprises barley, very light and watered-down cola, and very-lightly-toasted biscuit. The taste brings in more of the same, with a thorough sense of sourdough-ish bread pervading the proceedings. The body is a hefty light, with a light moderate carbonation and a wet feel. Overall, a pretty limp beer, with hardly any character to its name. Thankfully, though, this means it has little in the way of true offensiveness as well, but that's a pittance of a consolation.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2013 22:43:25 | More by TMoney2591

metter98

New York

3.18/5  rDev +5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer is clear very dark ruby red in color and has a moderate amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a quarter finger high off white head that died down a bit and left some bubbles covering the surface and a collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Light to moderate aromas of sweet toasted malts are present in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and has some sweetness along with some notes of tea leaves and hints of nutty malts. No bitterness is perceptible.
M: It feels light-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: Although this beer came in a green bottle, it doesn't taste skunked. The beer is very easy to drink and I would have no problem drinking several of these in one sitting.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 02:10:43 | More by metter98

DoubleJ

California

2.85/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

It took me almost 6 years since my encounter with first and only St. Pauli Girl to go to the dark side. At this rate it will take me another 6 years to go to the non-alcoholic version. Here comes a 12 ounce green bottle. On to the beer:

Amber brown in color with caramel hues. Carbonation bubbles are visible in the body despite the dark color. The head forms small on top, with little retention and leaving a few dots of lace. The nose has a slight toastiness, husk, a little caramel. Actually kind of bland at first sniff, only to become more full with time.

St. Pauli has the character of a dark lager, but a little more watered down and with the addition of sulfur. Modest dark bread and touches of raisin make a decent overall flavor. The body is light and spritzy, yet easy enough to drink.

Better than the pale lager, but a way's away from a good dunkel. That said, it would be an acceptable choice in a pinch.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 19:08:57 | More by DoubleJ

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.13/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a clear medium brown in color with some ruby red highlights and some very light amounts of visible carbonation. The beer has a finger tall fizzy dark beige head that reduces to a medium mottled patch of very thin film and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light to moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of Munich malts with some nuttiness and more than a touch of sweetness to it. Very light notes of toasted malts.

T: Upfront there is a decent amount of malts in this beer - I detect roasted and Munich malts with some light amounts of nuts and light to moderate amounts of sweetness. Light notes of earthy malts which lend a very light amounts of bitterness in the finish which fade quickly.

M: Medium bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation.

O: Overall this is a very easy drinking beer that is sessionable and would definitely be worth having again.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 22:49:25 | More by dbrauneis

wac9

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

saw this in the store and it called to me and wow glad i did , great color almost black very tasty this beer works for maybe on a winter day or a summer day this beer taste great and looks great it offers something for people who dont like heavy beers just right in the middle its german and it dark and i like for a slow night in november not a bad beer enjoy

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 01:26:36 | More by wac9

nukem5

Pennsylvania

2.83/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A: Pours a nice dark brown with reddish hues and big tan cap. Some nice lacing and decent retention.

S: Aroma is non existent aside from a slightly metelic scent and maybe some very light toast and malt.

T: Bitter hops and sweet malt combine to do battle sadly no real winner here.

M: Nice rich texture and carb level medium bodied with a slightly metalic taste at the back of the tongue.

O: Overall an ok beer but can do without it maybe just not my style or fitting in my taste zone.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 03:59:42 | More by nukem5

sommersb

Tennessee

3.05/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Tasted On: 04-23-2012
Freshness: Best by 11-2012
Packaging: 12 oz. green bottle
Glassware: Willi Becher
Purchased: Gift from a friend

A: Clear, brown beer with red tint -- looks like a cola. Head is average, but dissipates quickly. Lacing is pretty sparse.

S: Aromas are of biscuit malts and bread, with light hop character. Smells are not very strong overall.

T: Main element is toasted grains, along with some earthy bitterness. Also get a bit of harshness.

M: Lively carbonation on a light body. Finish is dry and balanced well between the sweetness and bitterness.

O: I'd say this was an average-tasting dunkel

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2012 00:07:27 | More by sommersb

barczar

Kentucky

2.8/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clear deep brown with amber highlights and a solid one inch dark cream head that quickly dissipates.

Aroma is strong diacetyl, buttery popcorn, and a caramel seems supported by toasted malt, finishing nutty.

Harsh toasted malt dominates the flavor, burnt bread, and a strong amount of grain husk. There's a metallic finish that is offputting.

Body is lighter than most for the style, with moderate carbonation, finishing fairly astringent.

Definitely some issues with this brew. There are many better in this style.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2012 05:24:07 | More by barczar

Fatehunter

Oregon

3.05/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured into a pint glass. A caramel color with a finger and half of head that held well.

Smells metallic and bready.

Light bitter at first, metallic in the middle and stronger bitterness at the end. It has the faintest roasted malt flavor too.

Smooth, almost creamy texture. Low carbonation and medium body.

Not great, not bad.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2012 20:28:13 | More by Fatehunter

RoamingGnome

Wisconsin

3/5  rDev -1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from bottle into a Blatz pint glass. This was served pretty well chilled.

A) This is a pretty deep brown, which is right for the style. There was not much head, just a thin layer of white foam that was gone in a hurry. No lacing. Kind of a cola look to this after it settles.

S) The aroma is of grain, darker malt, light sweetness, a bit of roast and a little bitterness

T) The taste is whole grain cereal with nuts. The darker malt and toasted flavors make this more earthy than sweet. The finish is kind of bitter, with an aftertaste that lingers a bit.

M) This is pretty light, feels crisp, fairly well carbonated. I wouldn't call it smooth, but it went down alright.

O) This is far from terrible or undrinkable, but if you are in the mood for a good dunkel, this should not be your plan A. In fact, it likely should not be your plan B, C, or D. You get the picture.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2012 03:22:30 | More by RoamingGnome

donmonkey1

Tennessee

3.6/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Dark,Dark brown, darker than Coke. Nice light tan head that dissipates way too fast and doesn't really have any lacing. It's hard to see the carbonation in the dark beer.

Smell: Mild molasses, dry toast, metal

Taste: Mild molasses, dry toast, toasted nuts, thick tree bark, coffee,a little malt sweetness,tinge of metal.

Mouthfeel: Medium body, not much carbonation.

Easy to drink, nice variety of flavor. The carbonation was good, but I would have liked more. This is a totally decent beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 23:41:50 | More by donmonkey1

kangarooAdam59

Maine

2.65/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75

In a pint glass (also tested in a pilsener):

A: clear reddish brown colored body with a small fizzy head that practically dies immediately, some light carbonation seen rising and the lacing doesn't last and drips down the side

S: malty along with some bready/grainy substance and just like the regular St Pauli's, there is the "skunkiness" as well

T: same malty, bready and grainiess to it as the smell, the hops come out just a bit here in the taste.

M: light to medium, sessionable, bland aftertaste and finish

O: basic euro-lager, It's nothing great but it was drinkable but I don't think I would buy this again

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2012 18:45:54 | More by kangarooAdam59

ZenAgnostic

Texas

3.23/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz bottle poured into Three Philosophers mini snifter. Best before 09.2012 stamped on bottom of back label.

Appearance - Dark brown amber body. Small offwhite / almost tan head with decent to low retention and stick.

Smell - Very nutty, earthy, and bready.

Taste - Light. A bit nutty and bitter. Stale hay. Does not hide what little alcohol it has.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied. Some bite and crispness. Mildly tannic.

Overall Drinkability - Paired this with breakfast. Eggs, homefries, and bacon. Worked well. Could be a little less tanic. Decent over all.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2012 17:19:03 | More by ZenAgnostic

jerryjeff

Tennessee

3.55/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Aroma
Slight grassiness from the hops along with a bit of malty tones, very reminiscent of other german pils/dunkels I've had

Mouthfeel
Medium high carbonation, bit watery on the palette maybe a bit less attenuation, some crystal malt would help. Bit of bitterness along the sides of the mouth, but relatively mild.

Appearance
Poured to decent 1/2" or so head in a New Belgium goblet, but very quickly dissipated. This was a very disappointing, with a bit better head retention and mouthfeel I think this could be very good instead of just a decent session beer. Mahoghany/ruby in appearance through the goblet.

Taste
Some slight malty notes, bit of caramel maybe. Grassiness from the hops comes through. Pretty good, not quite great.

Drinkability
Very, meant to be a sessionable beer and I think it comes through on that.

Overall
I like this and feel as if this could be a good fallback session beer if in need of something to drink a decent amount of but don't want a macro brew. With a bit more presence on the palette (less water) plus a better head retention I think this could easily be a much better beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2011 01:56:37 | More by jerryjeff

soju6

Missouri

3.38/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a dark mahogany color with a decent head that fades slowly and nice lacing.

S: Aroma of roasted malt, some caramel and a hint of nut and coffee.

T: Taste of roasted malt with some caramel sweetness and bit of nuts. Hint of bitterness and a clean finish.

F: Fairly light body and smooth.

O: Goes down easy. Not great but not bad for a north German beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2011 12:50:12 | More by soju6

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Once again, I am thankful on Thanksgiving for my local trader, tone77, and his ongoing onslaught of bottles. I am a CAN junkie, but I take amusement in his bottled beers without having to buy them myself.

The label is all wrong! If this is a Special Dark, then they should have a Sista on the label, vice some Wendy Whitebread blonde chick. I can almost imagine the outcry if they used a schwartzer to sell a Dunkel. Hee hee. The old tag line was "You never forget your first girl" and while I remember my first St. Pauli Girl (Blonde Div.) as a skunked mess, I also remember my first schwartzer. We had pulled into Djibouti, Djibouti and I was using a divining rod to seek out some happiness. It led me to one of the most special dark places I have ever visited. I am going to E-mail the brewers and suggest a change.

I used an aggro pour to divine as much head as possible and lo and behold, just under two fingers of deep-tan head with excellent retention appeared! Color was special and dark - it looked like a museum-quality ruby with NE-quality clarity. My uncle is a geologist who volunteers in a museum and I have held a ruby of this color. C'est magnifique! Nose smelled of coffee, chocolate and grassy hops. I love a mash-up/melange and this seemed poised to satisfy. Mouthfeel was on the thin side, but the flavor began with a Saaz hops bite, then kicked in with a light roastiness and I was sent. Man, this was about the best beer yet today, which my not be saying much, but it was more than I had hoped for going into it. Finish was semi-dry and the roasty/hoppy flavor lingered well after the swallow. Again, being realistic, it may not have been any great shakes, but if you see it next to its white bread, same-old, same-old sister, try some strange for yourself. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, dig?

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2011 21:31:33 | More by woodychandler

aschdave

Colorado

3.15/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass.
A nice reddish-brown color with a beige 1 inch head, which disappeared quickly. A hint of lacing remained on the glass.

The aroma was mostly malt, with some burnt smell and a little alcohol.

The taste was earthy, malty, a little sour, with a little carbonation.

This beer is okay, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it, and can't imagine I would choose it over anything else that was available.

Serving type: bottle

11-23-2011 19:41:18 | More by aschdave

bushbeer75

Michigan

3.23/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

12 oz green bottle

St. Pauli Girl Special Dark poured a chestnut brown with a small bubbly off-white head that faded very quickly leaving spotty lacing behind. The aroma is dominated by light bread malt and a little burnt toast. The flavor begins with toasted malt, then evolves into light bitterness and finishes with a burn toast taste. Mouth feel is light and crisp with average carbonation.

St. Pauli Girl Special Dark is an easy drinking light flavored Dunkel – making it a good session brew. If you are looking for a change of pace from a light in color [golden lager] beer to drink during the hot months this could be the one for you.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2011 22:55:52 | More by bushbeer75

DarthKostrizer

California

3.05/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Look: Dark brown with a bit of red throughout a 1/3 inch head and ok retention

Smell: A bit of skunk upfront with some toast and malt on the back end

Taste: Some raisin and fig upfront and finishes with some caramel malt

Mouthfeel: Is a bit thin and low on the carbonation side

Overall: This beer does not have any characters that make you want to drink more than one. Not recommended by this guy

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 02:04:11 | More by DarthKostrizer

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.13/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12oz Bottle

Appearance - Clear reddish brown colour with a large size fizzy beige coloured head. There is a low amount of carbonation showing and there is some good lacing. The head lasted for around 5 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Malts, breads/grains, skunk

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, light hops, grains, and some dark fruits - perhaps raisins. There is also a tiny bit of a smokiness. The beer finishes with a grainy and malt aftertaste.

Overall - It basically tastes like your basic euro-lager with a touch of smoke and raisins.. It's nothing spectacular but it was quite drinkable. Not something I'd buy again however.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2011 18:18:00 | More by spinrsx

jondeelee

Massachusetts

3.23/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Smells slightly of honey and malty sugar. In the mouth, nuts and dark sugars proliferate: caramels, toffees and deep syrups. Lightly hopped and sparkling on the tongue, this brew is quite flavorful, and has a mouthfeel of carbonated water. Quite decent fare; a good introduction to brown ales and such medium-heavy fares for those not acquainted with anything bearing any severity.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2011 16:19:03 | More by jondeelee

ckollias

Maryland

2.68/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Enjoyed this 12oz bottle out of a large snifter glass.

A: Dark brown lager with light amber highlights around the edges. Poors a thick tan 2-finger head that quickly dissipates and leaves a wispy lace.

S: Mild caramel aroma with hints of floral hops and grains.

T: Malt sweetness with hints of floral hops and grains. This doesn’t seem like a dark beer to me – taste more like a pilsner.

M: Thin body and medium to low carbonation

O: Eh - nothing special about this beer. Poor example of a dark lager in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2011 02:19:06 | More by ckollias