BEER REVIEW: 367

BREWER: Brauerei Heller, Bavaria, Germany

STYLE: Rauchbier

ABV: 5.1%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle 

X: @Schlenkerla14Ø5

INSTAGRAM: schlenkerla1405

DATE OF POST: 18th October 2024 

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

With its distinctive smoky profile, Aecht Schlenkerla is certainly a beer that draws a line in the sand, and you’ll likely find yourself standing firmly on one side or the other.

First up, the aroma is a highlight for this beer.  Yep, the nose is rich with a deep blend of chocolate and smoke. It’s a warm, inviting scent—more like a crackling campfire than the musty smoke of an old pub. This smoke isn’t harsh or acrid but rather comforting, evoking images of woodsmoke on a chilly night. There’s something undeniably cozy about it.  

And that’s as good as it gets for me… because it’s the taste that will act as the division bell. As soon as it hits your tongue, the smoked flavours are very forward, and they linger—long after your sip is done. It’s like inhaling a bonfire in a glass. While some may appreciate this distinctiveness, for me, it is completely overwhelming. The smoke feels like it’s there to stay, and once it’s in, it’s hard to shake off.  It lingers.  And lingers.  And lingers.

Aecht Schlenkerla is not what you’d call an easy sipper, either. The bold smokiness makes it a bit of a challenge to drink in large amounts or at a fast pace. You’re more likely to sip this slowly, not just to savour it, but because your palate needs a bit of a breather between gulps.  To be honest, it’s a tough beer to chew down.

As an additional side note, the packaging leaves something to be desired. It feels a bit dated, and while this may appeal to those who enjoy a traditional or historic vibe, it doesn’t do much to sell the experience to a broader crowd.

Overall, while Aecht Schlenkerla may have an impressive pedigree and a distinctive profile, it’s not for everyone—certainly not for me. The smoke-heavy flavour dominates every aspect of the beer, and it lingers longer than I’d like, creating an almost haunting presence. If you enjoy that intense, smoky experience, this might just be the beer for you. But if you’re like me and don’t particularly enjoy the taste of bonfire in your glass, it’s a tough one to love.

Sammy’s Rating: 33%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Smoked Salmon?

Yes please! Served up on buttered brown bread topped with cracked black pepper and lemon juice, accompanied with a crisp glass of champagne. Delightful.

Smoked Cheese?

Yes please! Either on it’s own, with crackers and red wine or lightly shaved over schnitzel. I adore smoked cheese.

Smoked Garlic?

Yes please! Especially in a crazy simple Italian pasta dish with cream, parmesan and black pepper. Maaaaaaaan!

Smoked Mackerel?

Yes please! Served on sourdough with avocado and a poached egg. Just divine.

Smoked Bacon?

Yes please! I’m getting seriously hungry now!

Smoked Beer?

Yes plea…. Hang on…

What?

Smoked beer… smoked beer??

OK, let’s unpack this…

I’m not sure I want my beer to be smoked really. And from the smell of this pup, oh my life is it smoked!!! I mean, the actual nose coming off the brew is incredible. But do I want my beer smelling like this? Quite simply, no.

But press on we must. And I did so with trepidation but as much of an open mind that I could muster.

First impressions were, oh actually, it’s not as smoky as I thought that it might be. Don’t get me wrong, it was certainly smoky but not as intense as the nose may have hinted at. Did I like it? No.

Did I hate it? No. I started to let my mind wander, imagining myself 150 years ago in a wooden beer hut in Bavaria during a long winter night. Tucked in with the locals in front of a roaring fire, singing songs, supping Aecht Schlenkerla and having a jolly ol’ time. In this scenario could I enjoy this beer? Yeah, maybe.

But I have to say once my mind came back to the beer testing table in the present day and as I worked my way through the glass it became apparent that this brew was not for me… AT ALL.

I’m afraid that I cannot tell you if this is a good representation of a Rauchbier as this was my debut. It seemed brewed well and if smoked beer is your thing this could well be a superstar.

All I know is, I flippin’ hated it in the end.

Jymi’s Rating: 41%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 37%

MOB review next weekend: ORGANIC HAZY IPA by GILT & FLINT

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

X: @museonbooze

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