Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Brauerei Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen


































The Stats
Style: Rauchbier
ABV: 5.1%
Current Ratings...
- Untappd: 3.62/5
- Beer Advocate: 4.06/5
- RateBeer: 3.68/5

"Bamberg’s speciality, a dark, bottom fermented smokebeer, brewed with Original Schlenkerla Smokemalt from the Schlenkerla maltings and tapped according to old tradition directly from the gravity-fed oakwood cask in the historical brewery tavern."

Pours out a glowing burgundy/dark amber color with a transparent body and two fingers of off-white head.

Aroma is obviously dominated by smoke, but has hints of smokey bacon and even salty ham. It has a noticeable pine tree quality to it and it just has an overall BBQ pit feeling. Personally, I love it.

The smoke is not nearly as robust on the taste, but still easily detectable. The lager yeast actually starts to shine here as do the German malts. Pine is back from the aroma, but it is more spruce-like than anything else with some earthy hop notes and tree bark. Multi-grain bread with some toasty qualities pick up in the 2nd half with just the smallest bit of dark fruits. The finish is relatively clean with some more burnt malts and overall smoke.

Mouthfeel is light and a little thin at times. The beer leaves nothing behind with no lingering flavors and the aforementioned clean finish. The body itself is smooth and has plenty of carbonation.

As far as the Rauchbier style is concerned, this is one of the better examples. The aroma was enticing, but the taste didn't match it pound for pound. It still packed in a lot of flavor and was an easy-drinking experience. It reminds me of sitting around a campfire at night, and frankly, maybe that is the best way to enjoy it.

Rating
8.4/10

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