Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier is probably Bamberg's best-known beer and is drunk all over the world. The inimitable taste of the beer has made the brewery famous and attracts tourists in droves to the Sandstraße every year, where Schlenkerla is traditionally served. Some describe the dark smoky aroma as a ham taste and there is no denying that Schlenkerla tastes a little hearty. This taste, which has become rare today, comes from the malt used, which is still traditionally kilned over an open fire. In the past, this method was the only way to dry the grain, but today machines have simplified the process. The taste created by the smoke has been eliminated by modernization and is hardly to be found in Germany. The Schlenkerla brewery preserves the tradition and proudly serves its beer.

Schlenkerla Märzen flows into the glass in an almost opaque mahogany color and forms a fine-pored head. A strong smoky aroma rises from the hazelnut-brown foam, reminiscent of campfires, smoked meats and slightly burnt caramel. The dominant smoky aroma is joined by a hint of melt-in-the-mouth chocolate and the scent of freshly baked stone-oven bread, rounding off the interplay of aromas. The first sip reveals a smoky beer with a full body, gentle carbonation and a creamy, full-bodied texture. In terms of taste, the beer delivers exactly what it promises: smoke all over.

You either love it or hate it. Have you tried it yet?