Beer review: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen (5.1% Germany: Heller Bräu Trum)

The Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen (German for Real Dangling Smoked March beer) is a specialty beer, more specifically a smoked pale lager. It is brewed by Heller Bräu Trum, a relatively small brewery located in Bamberg, in central Germany. The name Schlenkerla (~dangling) reportedly originated with a previous brewmaster of the brewery whose walk was similar to a swinging motion. The brewery specializes in Rauchbier and they have brewing traditions reaching all the way to 1405. Sounds very promising!

Taste: The Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen is a mature medium/full-bodied beer with a rich, elegant smoky flavor. As the name of the beer suggests, the flavor is dominated with a smokiness which features flavors of wooden smoke, tar and smoked ham. The beer also features a slightly sweet maltiness, and finishes with a nice combination of the flavors.

Overall, The Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen is an excellent beer. It is quite rich in flavor but isn't excessive in any way. It delivers what is expected, and does that in an elegant and mature manner. If you are looking for a smoked beer, it doesn't get much better than this.

95 Legendary