Lineage 06 – Bavarian Black Death (200+ Years)
Dehydrated Sourdough Starter
$19.00 AUD
Bavarian Black Death is a centuries-old sourdough culture born from the deep, dark bread traditions of Central Europe, where rye baking and long fermentation defined everyday life for over two hundred years.
Rooted in Bavarian and Alpine baking heritage, this culture reflects a style of breadmaking developed for strength, density, and depth of flavour — where loaves were baked dark, rich, and sustaining enough to carry families through harsh winters and demanding physical work. Over time, these fermentation practices became known for producing some of the most intensely flavoured sourdoughs in Europe, shaped by slow ferments and hearty grains like rye and pumpernickel.
Black Death carries that tradition forward with an unmistakably bold character. It is a culture built for intensity – for breads that are not light or subtle, but deeply expressive, deeply fermented, and unmistakably full of presence.
An intensely bold sourdough with a thick, dark crust and a dense, moist crumb. The flavour is pronounced and assertive, led by a sharp, upfront acidity that develops quickly and lingers. Beneath this sits deep roasted grain character, with strong rye influence, subtle bitterness, and earthy malted notes. The finish is long, dry, and powerful, leaving a persistent sour edge balanced by deep, savoury complexity.
Each culture is preserved through a careful process designed to honour its original character while ensuring it remains in a state of exceptional vitality. Rather than altering its natural profile, we maintain it within a tightly controlled balance of hydration, temperature, and refresh cycles — a “Goldilocks” zone that protects its historical integrity while keeping the microorganisms active and resilient.
The result is a living culture that carries its original depth and complexity, yet is primed for immediate revival. When reactivated, it awakens predictably, delivering a highly active fermentation that reflects both its heritage and the precision of its care.
We stand behind the vitality of our sourdough starter cultures. If your starter fails to activate following the included instructions, we’ll replace it at no cost.
To qualify, simply follow the activation guide provided and contact us within 4 weeks of purchase with a brief description of your process. We may request a few details to help troubleshoot before issuing a replacement, so we can ensure everything is set up for success next time.
Our goal is simple: to get you baking with a healthy, active starter as quickly as possible.
You can read more from our Activation Guarantee policy.
All orders are dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse within 1-2 business days.
All starter orders include free untracked letter delivery in secure padded packaging. For added peace of mind, tracked Australia Post delivery is available for a small additional fee.
Tracked shipping is free on all orders over $100 AUD.
More information available on our Shipping Policy.
