 chronictonic (351), Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, USA
Aug 15, 2003
Until now, I've never had a smoked or rauch style beer that I've even remotely enjoyed. They all seemed to taste like burnt tires and gasoline - very chemical and overdone. The Schlenkerla ("To walk not straight") however is very different. The color is a muddy brown and the aroma is a mild smokey campfire smell - not overpowering or chemical tainted. The flavor is difficult to describe. There is a definate smoked wood flavor that is balanced with the fruity / spiciness of a darker wheat beer. The flavor gets even more complex when you add a slice of lemon to the beer - the citrus flavors cut right through and make a whole new beer. The only thing I can equate this beer to is the smoked flavor of a really high quality smoked lox - but being beer and not salmon. Excellent and highly enjoyable. A definite must try if you see this one on tap.
jfb (42), Freising, Germany
Sep 1, 2008 (bottle) murky dark mahogany colour, stable off-white head. aroma has all kinds of smoked meats with notes of dark bread and oak. flavour has a little less smoke than in the aroma, with some wheat, more bread and zwiebelkuchen, very smooth and mellow. light to medium body, strongly carbonated, dry finish.
mvcramer (195), Arlington, Massachusetts, USA
Aug 31, 2008 I’m not a huge fan of the Rauch style, but did enjoy this one. Aroma is perfect - smoky notes without being overdone (as many brewers do it). Nice copper brown pour. Only knowck is that the head was massive. Over the top foamy. Too much, in my humble opinion. Nice flavor, but I got a slightlly sour note on the palate. Overall a solid beer. Enjoyed this one as much as the Marzen variation.
ucusty (1062), Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA
Aug 29, 2008 Pours reddish amber color with a big off white head that slowly dissipates. Aroma is classic Schlenkerla (campfire), tons of maple bacon, salt and malt. Flavor is smokey, but the base wheat beer is there too
blipp (724), Grand Island, New York, USA
Aug 28, 2008 Bottle. Pours unclear amber orange with a nice off white head. Aroma is just stunning. Burlap sack, smoke, and tar, and fell as fruity notes that hinted at banana. Medium body, a bit of carbonation. Flavor has a beautiful balance of smoke and sweet. Again, burlap, rope, banana, and smoky tar. Quite incredible. I actually liked this better than the Urbock and the Marzen. It might not be as complex but it’s better balanced and extremely easy drinking and enjoyable.
sebletitje (270), Tampa, Florida, USA
Aug 27, 2008 50 cl tap at Brauerei Heller in Bamberg.
Pours amber, thick creamz beige head.
Aroma si smokey, taste is very smooth, mix of weizen and smokey. Notes of honey.
Another excellent brew that asks some getting used to it, but one that can become very enjoyable.
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