Photo: J.T. Wampler

This week’s beer: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock from Brauerei Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla in Bamberg, Germany

This rauchbier, or smoked beer, pours dark with rosy, amber highlights. The smoke really lights up the nose along with malty sweetness.

The flavor starts sweet before becoming overwhelmingly smoky. The finish is fairly clean with lingering campfire smokiness on the palette.

This is one of the better examples of a smoked beer that I’ve tried. It would go well with barbeque or any smoked meats.

The smoke in a rauchbier comes from smoked malts, not a chemical additive. Smoked beers are not for everyone. I like using a smoked beer as marinade for meat bound for the grill. It adds a depth of character to the meat without overpowering it.

Buy one of these in a build-your-own-six-pack to see if you like it before committing to a full sixer.

Pair with anything that is grilled or barbequed.

Rating: 3.5

Last week’s beer: Hoptimistic IPA

J.T Wampler
J.T. is a contributor for the Fayetteville Flyer. He is also the owner and brewer at the Tanglewood Branch Beer Co., located at 1431 S. School Ave. in Fayetteville.
For more beer reviews from J.T., see his author page.