Schlenkerla
Bamberg, Germany

They Say: “Smokebeer from Schlenkerla is a dark, aromatic, bottom fermented beer with 13.5 percent original extract, which is equivalent to an alcohol content of 5.1 percent. No doubt: there are stronger beers, but nevertheless, one should not underestimate ... it can make you "schlenker" quite a bit [walk like a drunk person]. Its smoky flavor is being achieved by exposing the malt to the intense, aromatic smoke of burning beech-wood logs at the Schlenkerla-maltings. After mixing it with premium-class hops in the brew, it matures in 700 year old cellars, deep down in the hills of Bamberg, into a mellow, magnificent-tasting beer, best drunk directly in "Schlenkerla". An Original amongst the beers, even amongst the Bavarian beers.”

We Say: Dark caramel-colored with a loose light khaki head, this smoked Maibock is truly a Rauchbier and is very polarizing. Smelling like a glorious combination of bacon and campfire, the nose is bold without completely punching you in the face. Old World Wisconsin is all over this beer; with campfire in the mouth, beefy and light amber maltiness turns to a fuller-bodied beer that’s not syrupy and retains its clean lager finish. Completely different from any other beer here—nay, any other beer, period—it’s a must-try for anyone. If you don’t enjoy it, use the rest of the bottle for cooking. It works wonders in food, too!

We Say by Andy Guy of BeerFM.com