Lakefront Eastside Dark 6Pk

Lakefront Eastside Dark 6Pk is a Bavarian-style dark lager brewed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at 5.6% ABV in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. A two-time European Beer Star Gold Medal winner (2014, 2016), this lager stands as one of the most decorated American-brewed dark lagers on the market, built around a distinctive blend of five specialty malts.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.6%  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin  |  Style: Bavarian Dark Lager  |  Brewery: Lakefront Brewery

Production & Heritage

Lakefront Brewery has been brewing in Milwaukee since 1987, earning a reputation for German-inspired lagers and creative American craft styles. Eastside Dark uses a grain bill of Two-Row Pale, Munich, 30°L Caramel, Dehusked Dark, and Chocolate Malt — a five-malt combination that delivers color and depth without the harshness associated with many dark beers. Mt. Hood hops provide a subtle, earthy bitterness in the range of 16–21 IBUs, while German lager yeast ferments the beer clean and smooth, staying true to the Bavarian dunkel tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark bread and toasted malt arrive first, followed by cocoa, light coffee, and a touch of vanilla. There is a faint caramel sweetness underneath that rounds out the nose without becoming cloying.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward, with rich chocolate and rye bread character developing across the mid-palate. Caramel and hazelnut emerge as the beer opens up, joined by a subtle molasses sweetness. Bitterness remains restrained, letting the roasted malt complexity take center stage.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, dry landing and lingering coffee and dark chocolate notes. The lager yeast keeps everything crisp, avoiding any heavy or roasty aftertaste.

How to Drink Eastside Dark

Best served at 45–50°F in a tulip glass or dimpled mug, which lets the malt aromatics open fully. Allow the beer to warm slightly from refrigerator temperature to bring out the cocoa and coffee complexity.

Best For

• Introducing a craft beer drinker to German-style dark lagers
• Pairing with grilled meats at a backyard cookout
• Stocking a beer fridge with sessionable dark lagers for cooler months
• Gifting a Milwaukee beer enthusiast a hometown classic

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Eastside Dark taste like? Eastside Dark delivers rich chocolate and coffee malt flavors balanced by caramel sweetness and a hint of rye bread spiciness. The finish is clean and dry, characteristic of a well-brewed Bavarian-style dark lager.

How does Eastside Dark compare to an English Brown Ale? Both styles share a malt-forward profile with caramel and nutty notes, but Eastside Dark ferments with German lager yeast, producing a cleaner, crisper finish than the fruitier, fuller-bodied character typical of English Brown Ales. Eastside Dark also leans more toward chocolate and coffee roast, while brown ales tend toward toffee and biscuit.

Is Eastside Dark good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — at 5.6% ABV and low bitterness, it drinks easily on its own while still delivering enough malt complexity to hold attention across a full glass.

Where is Eastside Dark made? Eastside Dark is brewed at Lakefront Brewery on the east side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, along the Milwaukee River. The brewery has operated in this location since its founding in 1987.

What foods pair well with Eastside Dark? Smoked bratwurst benefits from the beer's toasted malt character. Roasted pork shoulder mirrors its caramel and coffee notes. Aged Gouda matches the malty sweetness with its own caramelized depth. Dark chocolate desserts complement the cocoa in the malt bill. Rye bread with strong mustard echoes the beer's subtle spiciness.

What sizes does Eastside Dark come in? Eastside Dark is commonly available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles.

Is Eastside Dark worth the price? Eastside Dark positions as an accessible, everyday craft lager with a competition pedigree that many beers at its price tier cannot match — two European Beer Star Gold Medals make it a strong value in the dark lager category.

Why Eastside Dark?

The double European Beer Star Gold Medal wins in 2014 and 2016 — competing directly against European breweries in the Schwarzbier category — place Eastside Dark among the most internationally recognized American dark lagers. Its five-malt grain bill, anchored by dehusked dark malt and chocolate malt, builds layers of flavor without the acrid bite that plagues many dark beers. Additional recognition includes an International Beer Cup Silver (2019) and Australian International Beer Awards Bronze (2018), confirming consistent quality across years and continents. For drinkers who want a dark lager that balances genuine complexity with easy drinkability at 5.6% ABV, Eastside Dark delivers on both fronts.