Aecht Schlenkerla "Rauchbier-Marzen"

Top 10 Fall Beers

BAVARIAN SMOKED BEER
Aecht Schlenkerla "Rauchbier-Märzen"

"Rauchbier" means "smoke beer" in German, a rare specialty of the Bamberg region that comes in many variations, as any beer style can be brewed with smoked malt.  Here the base is a rich amber lager in the Oktoberfest-Märzen tradition, brewed with barley malts dried with beechwood smoke.  Opening the bottle releases a pungent scent of bacon that grows stronger on pouring the russet-colored brew.  While smoked meat dominates the aroma, a soft and nutty malt flavor makes an appearance on the palate in a beer that is lighter in weight and easier going down than one might expect.  A perfect accompaniment for grilled sausages or bacon cheeseburgers, this unique beer is a rare treat well worth seeking out even to enjoy alone.

Price: $12 (25 oz.)

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