Style: Rauchbier-Doppelbock
ABV: 8%
Origin: Bamberg, Germany
Pours a gorgeous, clear, dark amber color with a two-finger off-white head that doesn’t hang around too long. Some lacing left on the glass. The aroma of smoked ham, (whoa!) and toasted bread with a grainy earthiness to it. Smoky flavor up front, then the sweet caramel malts come forward. There is a nice earthy hop flavor and some dark fruity flavors that linger. A hint of alcohol in the finish. Definitely a dopplebock and the smoke flavor doesn’t cover it up. Nice balance. Medium body and a nice low level of carbonation, smooth and silky. Overall a very drinkable beer at 8% ABV, and a very good and unique version of the style. The oak-smoked malt is definitely more subtle than their beech-smoked offerings. I have to say this is my favorite from Aecht Schlenkerla; I highly recommend this beer, even if you didn’t like smoked beers you’ve tried before. I didn’t.
Price I paid: $5.49 for a 500ml (16.9 oz) bottle.