If you've ever drank any of the Schlenkerla smoke beers then you know that they are all beyond unique. Each is an experience unlike anything you could imagine when it comes to beer. When they say "smoke" they mean "SMOKE"!
I grabbed a bottle of the Urbock since it was one I hadn't had before. But, unless you are from Bamberg and drink LOTS of rauchbiers it can be a little tough to get past the smokiness of these beers and taste the styles hiding deep within.
From the Schlenkerla site:
"A smoked bock beer for Bamberg's strong beer season (October through December). Matured for months in ancient rock-cellars underneath Bamberg and tapped freshly from the oakwood cask. Similar to, but much bigger than the classic Maerzen style."
The Urbock pours a very dark brown or ruby color with a thin wispy head. It looks like a nice dark beer with nothing to hide.
Once the glass gets within 6 inches of my nose I can smell that famous smokiness that comes from the smoking of the malts with beechwood logs. Check out their site for more on that, its pretty interesting. Anyways, this stuff smells smokier than any other beer you've ever smelled (except others from Schlenkerla of course!). It instantly reminds me of smoked meats and even beer jerky.
The taste is very, very good. Its also very, very smoky! Its intense but you get over that and can really enjoy the uniqueness of this style of beer. There is malt sweetness that goes very well with the smoke taste. The finish is very smooth and its quite drinkable. I'll have to give the other styles a chance and see what other flavors stand out that make them different.
Don't be intimidated by these rauchbiers. They are quite amazing and should be given a chance as they represent a lot of brewing history and a truly unique style.
BEER FACTS
Name: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (Urbock)
Style: Rauchbier (smoked ale)
Brewery: Schlenkerla - Brauerei Heller
Location: Bamberg, Germany
Container: 16.09 oz. bottle
Malts: ?
Hops: ?
ABV: 6.5%
IBUs: 40
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