Schlenkerla Smokebeer Wheat is an ale with light smoky aroma. As
Bavarian wheat beers, it is being brewed with a mixture of both barley
malt and wheat malt. The portion of barley malt is hereby a classic
Schlenkerla smokemalt, while the wheat malt remains unsmoked. Served
unfiltered with its natural haziness, Schlenkerla Wheat reaches its
full aroma through bottle fermentation with fine top fermenting yeast.
Data:
Original gravity: 13.2%
Alcohol: 5.2%
Bitterness: 20
Original gravity: 13.2%
Alcohol: 5.2%
Bitterness: 20
Beer: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Weizen
Color: Pours a dark burgundy color with great translucence
in spite of its shade. The head is about an inch thick and a light mocha color with
lowish retention, but a nice texture. Spotty patches of lacing left on
the glass.
Sent: Holy crap, this is smoky. Admittedly, I'm a huge fan of bacon and this definitely has a bacon vibe to it. Tons of wood, saltiness, and of course smoke come across strongly on the aroma. Wonderfully augmented by its subtle sweetness from the malt. Lager breadiness still manages to be noticeable underneath such powerful smokiness, along with slight fruit tones – it’s like toast with strawberry jam. Toffee malts, toasted bread crust, and grain husk back up the big smoke.
Taste: These grains are deliciously roasted to the point of smoke satisfaction, but never overbearing; if German brewers can do anything, it’s make a beer of balance. Wood is much bigger here than in the nose, making the beginning flavors a strong campfire taste of burnt wood chips. Some hops give a touch of fruits to a dark palate, with lemon rind, apple skin, and grape jam – not a bad addition. Salted ham, chicory, peat, Brazil nut, and a bit of tea tastes develop when you dig deeper into the grains; it’s complex roastiness with a good bit of caramel Märzen backbone. Finishes with lingering smoke on the tongue.
Sent: Holy crap, this is smoky. Admittedly, I'm a huge fan of bacon and this definitely has a bacon vibe to it. Tons of wood, saltiness, and of course smoke come across strongly on the aroma. Wonderfully augmented by its subtle sweetness from the malt. Lager breadiness still manages to be noticeable underneath such powerful smokiness, along with slight fruit tones – it’s like toast with strawberry jam. Toffee malts, toasted bread crust, and grain husk back up the big smoke.
Taste: These grains are deliciously roasted to the point of smoke satisfaction, but never overbearing; if German brewers can do anything, it’s make a beer of balance. Wood is much bigger here than in the nose, making the beginning flavors a strong campfire taste of burnt wood chips. Some hops give a touch of fruits to a dark palate, with lemon rind, apple skin, and grape jam – not a bad addition. Salted ham, chicory, peat, Brazil nut, and a bit of tea tastes develop when you dig deeper into the grains; it’s complex roastiness with a good bit of caramel Märzen backbone. Finishes with lingering smoke on the tongue.
Mouthfeel: Well textured (not too thick or too thin), with a light bittersweet dryness. Carbonation is near perfect.
Overall: My first venture into rauchbiers was truly unforgettable; what an outstanding beer. I’m not sure how wide the interpretations of this style go, but anything that can beat this in complexity, aroma, and drinkability would be nothing short of superb. It's one of those beers that works better the more you drink it, allowing me to see it for the incredible beer that it is.
Serving Type: Bottle
Overall: My first venture into rauchbiers was truly unforgettable; what an outstanding beer. I’m not sure how wide the interpretations of this style go, but anything that can beat this in complexity, aroma, and drinkability would be nothing short of superb. It's one of those beers that works better the more you drink it, allowing me to see it for the incredible beer that it is.
Serving Type: Bottle
Very Nice! A difficult job to interpret this beer as the smokiness of these beers, and wood /malt complexities can become a bit overwhelming.
ReplyDelete