Brauerei Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla Aecht Schlenkerla Fastenbier Rauchbier at 5.5% ABV (C$4.43 at NLC Stavanger, 500 ml, best before 31-Dec-2016, acquired 9-Jul-2016, reviewed 12-Jul-2016)
Appearance: hazy medium amber with one finger of creamy ivory head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: hardwood smoke, caramel malt, savoury meat. (8/10) Taste: moderate smoke, moderate sweet, mild bitter. (8/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry smoky finish. (4/5)
Mmm… Bacon-y! A very pleasant, easy-drinking Rauchbier, with strong but not overwhelming smokiness. I’m really starting to appreciate Rauchbiers in general and the Aecht Schlenkerla lineup more specifically, and this is quite a nice example. The smokiness in particular is very well implemented, and comes across more as bacon curing (i.e. hardwood) than campfire (i.e. softwood). In fact, this might be an excellent place for neophytes to begin exploring Rauchbiers, given the overall quite mellow character. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
