For today’s review I have a very unique beer to share with you. It’s called the Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (Smokebeer) Marzen from the Brauerie Heller-Trum/Schlenkerla in Bamberg, Germany.
I have never had this brew and I’ve read mixed reviews, so I’m a little skeptical in trying it. Some love it and some absolutely hate it.
The website, schlenkerla.de, has a very extensive write-up concerning this Rauchbier, so I’m just going to post a small excerpt.
Smokebeer from Schlenkerla is a dark, aromatic, bottom fermented beer with 13.5 percent original extract, which is equivalent to an alcohol content of 5.1 percent. No doubt: there are stronger beers, but nevertheless, one should not underestimate Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier…. it can make you “schlenker” quite a bit.
Well, here we go.
This beer came in a 16.9 oz. bottle and has an ABV of 5.1%.
It poured a very deep burgundy color that teeters on brown. It’s pretty clear in that I can see through it when held directly toward a light source. It has some ruby highlights through the middle with some burnt orange highlights at the bottom. The crown was very large, creamy, mostly smooth and light tan in color. It had wonderful retention, but the lacing was hit and miss. Rather patchy all along the sides.
As I stuck my nose in I was greeted with a very pungent, but wonderful aroma of smokiness. It smells like salty, smoked country ham and fried bacon fat. I love that smell!!! It completely dominated the nose so much that I had a hard time distinguishing anything else. I could kind of detect a hint of “earthiness” underlying the malt. Very nice aroma here.
The taste definitely bring out the smoke, but it doesn’t seem as strong as the aroma. Don’t get me wrong it’s still very potent, but easily bearable. I found that it had a “woody” taste mixed in with the salty ham flavorings. Some minute hints of bread. It had little-to-no bitterness or sweetness. Again, I like what I’m experiencing here.
The mouthfeel was medium, however it leans ever so slightly to the light/thin side without ever being light or thin. Does that even make sense??? It’s super smooth, very creamy, somewhat chewy and very dry. Not much flavor was left on the palate after the swallow. I was expecting quite a bit more to tell the truth.
Overall, this was one smokey son-of-a-gun!!!! I have to say that I liked it. I could easily see how some would not find this too agreeable however. With that being said, I, myself, would probably only want 1 or 2 during a sitting. I don’t think I could make this my primary beer for the evening. It may become a bit distracting after a while. It’s still a very good brew and it’s a welcome change for me. A very unique beer that is not stumbled upon everyday. It reminds me of being around a campfire while roasting a hog or something. Good times!!!
Have any of you guys ever tried the Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen? Did you find it enjoyable or maybe not so much? I would love to hear about your experience with it.
Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. Have a great and safe weekend.
Cheers!!!
Score: 4.0 out of 5
Grade: B+
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bluesandbarbq
September 6, 2011 at 8:47 pm
One of my all-time favorite beers, once I developed a more sophisticated palette. Best paired with anything grilled or smoked. Epic beer. Makes me want to go to Bamberg and visit their brewpub.
bluesandbarbq
September 6, 2011 at 8:47 pm
One of my all-time favorite beers, once I developed a more sophisticated palette. Best paired with anything grilled or smoked. Epic beer. Makes me want to go to Bamberg and visit their brewpub.
shrews824
September 12, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Blues,
I hear that. It was my first time with this beer and I think it could be a beer that I would want to have a few times a year for sure. Especially in the Fall.
Cheers.
Scott
shrews824
September 12, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Blues,
I hear that. It was my first time with this beer and I think it could be a beer that I would want to have a few times a year for sure. Especially in the Fall.
Cheers.
Scott
hudakbudak
December 8, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Even though you've just tweeted this, it looks like it's a few months old, so I hope between then and now you've had the chance to try the Schlenkerla Urbock, which is the best of their line. More smoky and meaty than the Marzen.
I love these guys so much that when my wife suggested we go to Germany for our honeymoon, I agreed only if we could also go to Bamberg to visit the brewery, and it was an amazing experience.
Anyway, get the Urbock. You won't be disappointed.
hudakbudak
December 8, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Even though you've just tweeted this, it looks like it's a few months old, so I hope between then and now you've had the chance to try the Schlenkerla Urbock, which is the best of their line. More smoky and meaty than the Marzen.
I love these guys so much that when my wife suggested we go to Germany for our honeymoon, I agreed only if we could also go to Bamberg to visit the brewery, and it was an amazing experience.
Anyway, get the Urbock. You won't be disappointed.
shrews824
December 8, 2011 at 1:47 pm
hudakbudak,
Thanks for reading and the comment. I have tried the Marzen and the Weizen and I have an Urbock in my possession that I'm waiting to try. I have had a few people tell me that the Urbock is the best of the Schlenkerla line.
Cheers,
Scott
shrews824
December 8, 2011 at 1:47 pm
hudakbudak,
Thanks for reading and the comment. I have tried the Marzen and the Weizen and I have an Urbock in my possession that I'm waiting to try. I have had a few people tell me that the Urbock is the best of the Schlenkerla line.
Cheers,
Scott