Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock

Brewed by Brauerei Heller
Style: Smoked
Bamberg, Bayern, Germany

Soooooooooo smoky. Aroma of smoky burnt malts, smoked bacon, and lots of plain campfire smoke. A great thick mouthfeel, some amazing maltiness, and it mingles so well with the smoke, man this is really a treat, just seems to be more complete than its cousin the Marzen.

A rare beer for sure. Its smokey flavor is natural and makes for a great extra to a steak or barbque. Its hard to drink many of them and it does not mix well. But a must try for sure.

Bottle. Pours red brown with a tan head. Smoky and earthy aroma, with burlap and a slightly sweet caramel note. Smooth body. Smokey flavor, with peat, wood, and sweet notes of caramel. Really good, though I like both the Weizen and the Marzen a bit better.

Poured from a 500ml bottle and served in a shaker. This beer poured a very dark mahogany hue with a quickly fading head of large tan bubbles. Some faint lacing was left around the glass. The aroma of the beer was made up of typically beautiful Schlenkerla smoke, some crisped bacon, along with a hint of roasted and caramel malt sneaking in. The flavor was surprisingly sweet. Lots of smoke, but not enough to cover up some sweet caramel, maple syrup bacon, and mild chocolate. The mouthfeel was medium-bodied with light carbonation. Tons of smoke kept in check by some rich maltiness. A really nice beer.

Had this at the brewery in Bamberg, after enjoying bottles of it in Omaha. I was surprised that there was no difference when I had it on site. Didn’t wait to try any other beer in town, since if I died after having this one, I would be happy. The smoked flavor is really lifelike, like eating smoked ham...smooth and smokey. Bitter? No! Why anybody else brews smoked beer, I don’t know. Nothing else is of this caliber. This is, as I’ve seen written, "the high altar of smoked beer."

Bottle (500ml). Poured dark ruby brown with a good sized, thick, frothy, tanned head which lasted superbly. A complex aroma with strong notes of smoked salmon, cooked pancetta, smoky roasted malts, toffee, burnt sugar, caramelized dates, hints of dusty chocolate and a subtle fruitiness (blackberries). Very well balanced flavor; smoked salmon, cabonossi, roasted malts, sticky toffee, light notes of chocolate and a pleasant salty/dusty finish. Medium bodied with medium carbonation, a dry/dusty mouthfeel and a great finish. A great smoked beer.

500 mL Bottle. Dark red in color with a small head that diminishes quickly but does not totally disappear. Initial aroma is very similar to bacon or barbeque ribs. Body is likewise similar as an intense meaty experience- could be bacon grease but very light on the stomach and palate. Strange but enjoyable. Would try again but would want to eat it- I mean drink it- with a big steak or roasted pork. For the bock style it is fabulous and can only be beaten by gems like Celebrator. Would highly recommend for a unique beer experience.

Very cola-like in appearance; dark brown with next to no head. Nose shows a rich smoked cherry character (no surprises here), and has good presence. Dry roast and smoked wood drives the flavour profile. Almost porter-like with the dry roasted malts. Palate weight is bit light to get truly interesting.