Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen - Brauerei Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla

IchLiebeBier

Virginia

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Medium Dark

Aroma: Smoky malt

Taste: Smoky, herbal

Remarks: One of my earliest reviews when I started this whole project. Bought at Heinrich's Supergetränkemarkt in Kornwestheim. Also had on tap at the source in Bamberg.

Did not score A, T, S, M at that time; disregard those scores

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2013 01:17:08 | More by IchLiebeBier

Beer4Baltimore

Maryland

4.7/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75

Poured from a pint bottle into a Weizen Glass.
A - reddish brown with a rapidly fading head of about a fingers height.
S - wow, smoked sausage. Hickory smoke. Forest fire from a distance, it actually reminded me of driving through Yellowstone when they had the massive fire in the late 80's. Incredible barbeque smoke that you can taste in the air.
T - the smoke is slightly subdued in the taste versus the smell. Oh it is there without denial but not as overwhelming as the nose. Smoky, lightly malty, and with a touch of sweetness. It reminds me of sampling powdered smoke aditives when cooking.
M - smooth, light carbonation, moderately oily feel.
O - awesome smell, great taste

I seriously need to grill some sausage to go with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2013 23:12:47 | More by Beer4Baltimore

TWHartman

Minnesota

4.75/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

A- Dark deep red with a not-quite tan head, nice and thick with good retention. Beautiful beer.

S- Smells like smoked meat, like a spiced ham. Faint malt in background. Fantastic.

T- Very smooth, spicy smoke flavor, not at all overwhelming. An almost salty finish, makes me want to make another gulp. Malt roast flavor in the finish as well.

M- Nice dry finish makes this very drinkable despite the full flavor

O- This is the best smoke beer I have ever had, it defines the style for a reason. Most smoke beers I drink are way too heavy handed, this is subtle, balanced and delicious.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2013 03:34:05 | More by TWHartman

BierStein711

Illinois

4.4/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle into snifter

I had this beer before, however I had no idea which brew it was from Schlenkerla at the time.

All I can say is: wow!

Appearance, jet black to dark brown, tan fast reducing head, high carbonation at first.

Smell: sausage, smoke, herb, oak, very herbal smell like a porter or stout

Taste: smoked sausage, light on oak at the finish

Mouthfeel: Thick, this is a sipper, yet not quite an elixir.

Overall, this is my first review for a rauchbier. I can't wait to explore the style more, and more. Almost time to restock the fridge.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2013 05:59:44 | More by BierStein711

Darkmagus82

Montana

4.15/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle into a pint glass

Appearance – The beer pours a reddish - copper color with a two finger billowy beige head. The head fades relatively quickly to leave some spotty lacing on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The nose is smacked with tons of big smokiness with some aromas of char. It smells of a fire and with hints of a salty aroma as well as a little bit of grass it gives an almost smoked meat like smell overall.

Taste – While the nose was massive in smoke the taste was a little tuned down, although still nice and smoky. The taste starts out with some smoky and malty flavors mixed with a bit of a lighter fruit taste. The smoke as well as the fruit grow a bit stronger in nature and mix with some lighter grassy flavors. Bit of a almost salty meat flavor develop more toward the middle to the end and when mixed with the smoky flavors produce a smoked ham sandwich like taste with a little bit of fruit flavor. Odd, but interesting.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is medium to slightly thicker side for a brew of only 5.4 % with a carbonation level that is rather average. Both are rather nice for the style with the slightly chewier body very nicely complimenting the smoked flavors, while the moderate carbonation was great for the overall drinkability.

Overall – Quite a tasty Rachbier with a huge smoky nose but yet rather palatable and pleasing blend of flavors beyond just smoke.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2013 19:05:55 | More by Darkmagus82

FLima

Brazil

4.49/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a brown ruby color with a two finger thick head with good retention.
Incredible predominant smell of smoked bacon and ham.
Flavor is less smoked than suggested by the nose, but still intense. Delicious taste of smoked and roasted malts with hints of bacon and ham, with pine and earthy notes that makes the impossible, possible, a powerful and still refreshing beer.
Dry and bitter aftertaste with a residual smoked flavor and some burnt wood.
Medium body with good carbonation with small bubbles and a crisp sensation.
I love this flavorful and legendary beer. How can you possibly make a brew that tastes like bacon and still is refreshing and very pleasant to drink? Awesome beer, highly recommendable.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2013 01:50:26 | More by FLima

bmwats

Louisiana

3.95/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured from a 500 ml bottle into a mug.

A: Medium-dark brown. Pours about a 1 finger, foamy, brown-white head. Settles fairly quickly, but leaves a little foamy blanket. Fair spotty lacing, mostly retreats back into the brew.

S: Hearty roasty malt, smoke, and bacon.

T: Smoky roasted malt, bitter pecan.

M: Hearty with a slightly bitter finish. A little shallow in the end, though.

D: Sip and savor.

Atmosphere is pretty good. Nice hue, good head, and a little lacing. Roasty and malty and smoky nose. Bacon is prominent. Roasted malt, bitter pecan, all wrapped up in a smoky blanket. Overall, this is a good quaff.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2013 03:39:22 | More by bmwats

tjsdomer2

Illinois

4.23/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: Dark brown after the pour, but ruby red when held up to light. A bit flat though.

Smell: Cigar smoke and molasses. Some bacon as well. Incredible.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Smoked sausage and a hint of scotch. Some tobacco and molasses as well. I enjoy this a lot, but wish it were stronger. Feels really thin initially, which hurts the flavor a bit by watering it down. Feels better as it warms.

Overall Drinkability: This is a good beer, but is not as good as Schlenkerla Eiche. I do love the overall warming effect this has, which is definitely a good quality.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 02:19:48 | More by tjsdomer2

superspak

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

500 ml bottle into pint glass, no bottle dating. Pours fairly clear medium reddish brown color with a dense 2 finger cream colored head with great retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Dense spotty soapy lacing clings down the glass, with some moderate streaming carbonation. Aromas of huge smoked wood, caramel, brown sugar, toast, bacon, ham, light roasted malt, brown bread, and smoked earthiness. Fantastic aromas with very prominent smoke character; with great balance and complexity of malt and smoke notes. Taste of smoked wood, caramel, brown sugar, toast, ham, brown bread, bacon, floral, light roasted malt, light clove, and smoked earthiness. Lingering notes of smoked wood, ham, caramel, brown sugar, toast, light roasted malt, brown bread, and smoke earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of malt and smoked flavors; with nice robustness and no cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and body; with a fairly creamy and smooth mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a highly excellent Rauchbier style! Great balance and complexity of smoke and malt flavors; and very smooth to drink. A highly enjoyable offering.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 04:27:23 | More by superspak

GuzzLah

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A - pours a dark brown-burgundy. Short head. Faint lace. No bubbles.

S - smoked ham, green beans, burnt wood and molasses.

T - is similar to the aroma with mild floral hops and light sweetness.

M - medium body. Low carbonation. Oily.

O - mighty good smoke beer that doesn't overdo it.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2013 20:12:18 | More by GuzzLah

Jwale73

Rhode Island

4.11/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

On-tap at Brauerei Heller-Trum Schlenkerla on 4/8/2013. .5L served in a willbecker. Pours a deep mahogany with a creamy, 1.5 inch off-white head that settles into a consistent skim leaving delicate curls of lacing as it recedes. Nose is smokey - wood smoke initially, followed by roasted/smoked meat. Taste starts off roasty, with the smoke settling in shortly thereafter; however, there is also a touch of malty sweetness and a slight buttery quality that is nicely integrated into the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is light in body with a slightly watery texture and an even, smooth carbonation and a hint of dryness at the finish. Not my go-to style, but pleasantly quaffable and pairs nicely with quaffable.

Serving type: on-tap

04-28-2013 00:49:10 | More by Jwale73

robby23

Iowa

3.5/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

This is my frist smoked beer and the smell reminded me of summer bbq. The head was small not to thick whit a nice dark amber color, for it being a smoked beer it was really smoth and crisp very refreshing as well. The flavours were well blance and well rounded the smokines was not overwhaelming.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 22:56:23 | More by robby23

NilocRellim

Minnesota

3.91/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

Beer poured from the bottle.

Beer poured a clear, dark brown colour. Smokey odor with a slight toastedness, with a hint of malt. Beer had a strong smoke flavor but not undrinkable; a little toastedness, slightly malty, and a bit bitter. Light bodied, well balanced, and sessionable.

Would I buy this beer again? Yes.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 04:35:19 | More by NilocRellim

Neorebel

New Jersey

4.28/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a dark, yet translucent cocoa brown with a sliver of a cream-colored head. The froth clings nicely to the glass as it goes down. Very appropriate look.

The nose is very pleasant with brown sugar, and a smoked umami characteristic. The caramelized and smoky taste intermingled well with the saltiness of my German-style brunch. It was also light bodied and low enough in alcohol to consume early in the day.

The finish is that of dry, woody charcoal and mild, but earthy hops. If you are a fan of Rauchbiers, this is one of the finest examples of the style.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 16:44:36 | More by Neorebel

Maxwell

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a very dark orangey brown with a slight off-white head of tight knit, small bubbles. The beer’s body is dark but seems clean except for a slight malty haze. On the nose, the beer smells of big bacon and smoked pork, mixed with notes of smoked hickory. On the tongue, the beer tastes of savory smoky malt, faint bitters from the roasted malt, and slight sweet malt. Flavors begin with smoky malts that move quickly into bacon and smoked salmon with a touch of smoky wood. As it warms, some slight dark fruit notes can be detected in the malts. The finish moves into notes of canned cat food mixed with more notes of big bacon. The aftertaste is light salty bacon on the tongue. In the mouth, the beer feels medium to heavy in body, with a smooth carbonation the slips over the tongue, leaving the mouth a little thick with a dry bacon feel with some slight saliva running from the tongue from acidity. Overall, I like this beer. It is a classic rauchbier and fills all the requirements of the style. It does leave a slight cat food flavor in the mouth, which is a little odd as I notice it more and more, but it is still tasty and displays the smoked malts well.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 18:48:39 | More by Maxwell

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

4.03/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1pt 9 fl oz served in an allagash glass.

A - Dark brown with amber highlights, 2 fingers of sturdy off-white head, the head is moundy and clings to the edges of the galss.

S - Very smokey aroma, some lye soap aroma, burnt grass, smoked Canadian bacon, bbq wood smoke, smells like sweet black pepper bbq sauce.

T - Smoked bamboo stalks, smoldered grass, some sugary fruit in the background, grassy hops invade the smoke toward the finish. Some burnt caramel lies underneath the smoke. Savory smoked meats come to mind. Finishes quick with a swift but dry smokey note.

M - Lush carbonation and feel, medium to light body, dry smokey finish.

Very focused on the smoke obviously but lets the other flavors play out. The aroma is much stronger in smoke than the flavor. The aroma has more of a bbq smell, while the taste has more of a smoked grass flavor. Awesome if you like smoked beers.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 22:51:04 | More by StaveHooks

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

4.24/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from bottle into new Belgium globe..
Ive had this years back and didn't like it..second time around.
Pours a great deep brown with slight reddish hue. A bit of head with great lacing. Awesome aromas of smokey slightly sweet malts. Really crisp.
Taste is the same..smokey sweet malts. So nice. Its smoked flavor is so smooth and balanced. Glad I revised this. Its awesome.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 22:46:30 | More by DrinkSlurm

IrishKevin

Massachusetts

3.94/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

First had this 11 years ago, back when I thought Heineken was a craft beer. Didn't like it then, thought it was a slim Jim in a bottle.

Poured into a British pint glass, nice head that lasted for a while.

Smell: Smokey, spicy and meaty. Might even have a little peat as well.

Taste: Had a nice smokey essence, but not overpowering like you might think it would. Had a slight malty sweetness and also a slight hoppy bitterness at the end.

My palate has definitely changed over the years, because I really enjoyed this beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 21:53:20 | More by IrishKevin

AngrrryMan

Louisiana

3.78/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My first Smokebeer.

Appearance: Dark redish brown. Tan head.

Smell: Very aromatic with a smoky smell.

Taste: Kind of like drinking a beer by a camp fire.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, but bold flavors. Light on carbonation.

Drinkability: Was smooth, with a slight bitter aftertaste, but not too overwhelming. It may go good with bar-b-que.

Video of me pouring it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYfgaRykE4Q&feature=share&list=PL2bgeAoaxBdbwvIxnVFKlbcOD4yfDcW9M

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 04:06:48 | More by AngrrryMan

Ivanhoes_Backpack

New Brunswick (Canada)

3.59/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

500ml bottle picked up in Quebec. Didn't really read the label, so I didn't know it was a rauchbier/smoke beer, and I hate smoke beers, so I'll be surprised if I give this a good review.

A Looks good, pours 1 finger pale white head, sticks around. Dark red colour.

S Smoke (duh), campfire, burning wood, smokey bacon, very smokey.

T I was really scared after the smell. I've had some really smokey beers that were undrinkable because they tasted like a pile of ash. But the smoke in this is a lot subtler than the smell suggests. Thank God. Can taste the bitter malt in with the smoke. Girlfriend describes it as if you're drinking a brown beer in front of the campfire with the smoke blowing in your face. Good image. I'm relieved.

M Actually really smooth. It is only 5%, but I thought the smoke would make it hard to swallow. Not a lot of carbonation, almost like a cask beer.

Overall, I have to say that I'm seriously relieved. I think this is a beer that pairs better with some pretty strong foods, bbq'ed meat especially. I tried this with a tandoori chicken pizza, and it was great. I would actually try this smoke beer again, which is a first for me, because all the other smoke beers I've had were way too smokey.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2013 22:43:50 | More by Ivanhoes_Backpack

stumac

Texas

4.29/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.75

Drinkin this with my corn dog Amanda. Dark brown in color with ruby edge and a faint white head. Aroma is pork, smoke, char, light malt. Flavor is same as nose with fruity yeast esters, nice hop balance. Very well balanced. Crispy carbo, light bodied. Very deelish

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 02:38:01 | More by stumac

barnzy78

Illinois

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16oz bottle, shared with my father-in-law, a fan of everything Germany.
The beer is deep brown with some amber hues, foamy tan head sticks around for a bit. Smoky aroma, sweet caramel malt, bready reminiscent of brown bread crust. Tastes are initially sweet, caramel, bready, followed by a strong dose of smoke. Nice medium body, creamy & smooth with pleasant carbonation.

When I first started trying new beers, I picked this one up not knowing what it was. I saw a guy walk in to the liquor store, make a bee-line to this beer, grab 4 and leave. I presumed it was good and bought one as well. When I got around to trying it, I hated it! I have definitely matured my palate, because this is an excellent beer, especially for what it is.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 01:03:38 | More by barnzy78

tectactoe

Michigan

3.81/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had and enjoyed the Urbock rauchbier, don't know why it has taken me so long to finally pick this one up. The store I went to was out of the Urbock at the time, or else I would've gotten them both and tried them side by side. The Marzen is a bit lighter in color; deep-ish brown with more clarity and a wispy off-white head that clings to the glass just a bit at the top.

The aroma is stupendous; a brigade of smoked malts just engulf your senses for a moment and it's heavenly. What I love about the aroma is the pure and varied nature of the smoke - I'm picking up charred wood, light charcoal, campfire roast, and even a bit of smoked sausage and bacon. It's not just a straightforward, ashtray-like smoke that oftentimes is the downfall of many other beers of this style.

Very similar follow-through with the taste, although a bit more light than the Urbock - slightly less creamy and thick, but acceptable given the lower (and sessionable) ABV level. Smoked malts work the palate; light char, mesquite wood chips, hints of smoked meat, liquid smoke. Once again, I'm most taken back by Schlenkerla's ability to make the smoke so dominant and heavy while at the same time making sure it's not burning, ashy, or off-putting. Very well done. Medium carbonation, medium body.

I believe I liked the Urbock a little bit more, although I'd really have to try them back to back just to be sure, and I think I might do that soon. I remember loving the thick and creamy body of the Urbock, and the flavors popped a bit more. This one might have a better nose, though. Either way, both are quintessential examples of the rauchbier style.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 11:36:23 | More by tectactoe

vkv822

Oregon

4.06/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

16.9oz : tulip

Dark amber red, near black with a foamy, light tan head that dissipates to leave a foamy ring of bubbles around the rim.

Very strong smoked meat aroma upfront, with a lightly sweet finish.

While the smoked meat taste is still there, it is definitely not as robust as in the nose. Blended with cocoa and roasty malt character.

Medium body, not viscous as the nose led me to expect. Average, bubbly carbonation.

The nose was quite impressive, and a bit intimidating, but it did not translate to the taste. Though that is not to say that taste was a let down, as it was still enjoyable and combined with the mouthfeel, made it easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 08:26:25 | More by vkv822

KYGunner

Kentucky

4.01/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Deep ruby and brown hues dominate the light as it attempts to peer through a richly colored brew. A thick creamy head subsides to a bubbly, heavy laced film.

Charcoal and cooked meat-like scents are strong in the nose. Sweet BBQ tones and leathery smells are present but I get grilled hot dogs or smoked sausage. Various tones I'm not accustomed to, they are strong and blend well.

As strong as the smokey, BBQ scents are the taste is relatively tepid. Smokiness pervades but the meaty flavors are not there. A bit of wateriness strikes the tongue at an in opportune time and smothers the finish. I do like the taste and it finishes easy and refreshing but I had hoped the taste would emulate the scent and it did not.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2013 22:48:20 | More by KYGunner