Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen - Brauerei Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla

Beaver13

Colorado

3.03/5  rDev -25%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

16.9 oz bottle. Pours amber brown with a medium creamy off-white head that retains well and laces the glass.

The aroma is smokey malts of the liquid smoke variety with some sweet BBQ.

The flavor is sweet plasticky (esp in the finish) caramel malts and smoke (a little BBQ) with charred roast. The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied and a little watery.

Overall, lots of smoke, but it's a bit thin with some off notes.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 06:28:44 | More by Beaver13

Sachsenfreude

Germany

4.85/5  rDev +20%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

appearance; clear but so dark that it appears opaque or nearly so. Off white head with so so retention and thin, sparse, yet beautiful lacing.

smell; Smokey Westfalian ham is the dominant and very most powerful odour. Some sweet malts but mostly bittered with smoke.

taste; Upfront smoked meats. Malts still come through, can taste that behind the smoke, Oktoberfestbier flavor sneaks around. Pleasant bitterness in the finish.

mouthfeel; heavy bodied, very dry and with a mild acridpuckering. Not all that refreshing but very tasty.

overall; A delicious treat well worth the high cost.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2012 15:00:35 | More by Sachsenfreude

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

Mahogany brown body and a bone-colored head of immense proportions. 4.0

Smoked sausages, rich roasty malts, sweet grain with light toffee, and buttery notes. 4.5

Smoky, but richly smoky, like bbq pork or bacon. Very mildly bitter with a sweet woody flavor. Interestingly sweet, no fruits and only faintly a gooey toffee character. 4.0

Medium body and mild carb. Very drinkable, even with the smokiness. 3.5

Best rauchbier ever. My girlfriend and I pick up a bottle every month or two. 5.0

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2012 00:51:38 | More by thecheapies

endovelico

Portugal

4.08/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

First of all, It's my first time having a beer this 'smoked'. I mean I've had beers with smoked malt (both peat and beechwood smoked), hell I've MADE smoked beers! But still, having said that I've never had something this exuberant in it's singularity.

I had to temporarily halt my review and let the beer sit a bit because it was frankly overpowering my senses but upon resuming my review what i found out was that this brownish, beautifully highlighted brew still reeks of smoked ham, almost cloyingly so, with wood coming through aswell and cocoa and herbs splashed around.

The taste follows up on the nose, but it's much more agreeable in my opinion with the characteristic bacon notes on the front, wood on the back and an almost candyish center.

The palate is right up my alley and what seems to be adequate in complementing the rest of the beer's characteristics: Medium to medium full body, Low bitterness, medium low carbonation, unperceived alcohol.

This beer is surprisingly drinkable but it almost feels like a gimmick beer were one to forget history. It suffers from being this unique and not having many beers (at least commercially accessible) to compare and establish a referential so the fear of underestimating this beer is present. Nonetheless it's something everyone should try.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2012 17:58:37 | More by endovelico

theecaleb

Alaska

4.35/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

ST: Bottle, small pour into glass

A: Fairly light in color compared to smell, almost an Amber color to it. Good texture from bottle to glass. Light. creamy white head.

S: Heavy Smoke. Much heavier smell than taste or appearance. Had a wood fire smell to it.

T: Smokey, Delicious, lighter than expected, but in a good way. Was not watered down.

M: Good balance of weight. Smooth going down, no bitter after taste.

O: Really enjoyed this beer, normally I research prior to buying any unknown brew, however with this one I could tell by looking at the bottle (and price) it was a quality beer. My review is semi bias, Smokey style beers are among my favorite. Long time reader, first time reviewer.

I would recommend this brew to a friend.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2012 17:33:41 | More by theecaleb

Groulxsome

Ontario (Canada)

4.53/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle -> Tulip. Best Before January 2013.

Appearance: Dark brown, almost black with a white, cream coloured head. Some reddish hints when held to the light.

Smell: Smoke, like campfire smoke made of pine and birch and maple. A little caramel sweetness. This might be a bit crass, but the sweetness is almost like burn marshmallows in a camp fire. It's making me nostalgic! I'm also getting the kind of smoke that might be on a good smoked ham or the way that a good pulled pork restaurant might smell.

Taste: Much more malty the the smell would indicate. I'm getting some toasted malt, caramel, and then that smoke which is much like the way I've described it in the smell. It's a got a little bitterness, but wow, that smoke. Maybe almost salty? In the aftertaste it's dry (like a Marzen) but there is almost a salt taste in there too.

Mouthfeel: Super smooth, medium body, and a little carbonation. A little numbing almost from the flavour. A very, very crisp clean finish. Hits the that Marzen mark for me!

Overall: This beer is a classic for a reason. On its own it's a fun beer to drink and as a beer drinker it is really in the top 20 beers you really -have- to try, but it'd be really great skillfully paired with food or use in preparing BBQ (not with BBQ, but, like in a preparation). For some reason I want pan-seared scallops paired with this to give an overall smokiness to the dish or something like that, where the beer could add that smoke flavour to the food. It's really versatile and if you haven't had it, you really ought to.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 00:51:33 | More by Groulxsome

jbertsch

Massachusetts

4.23/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Brown in color, but shows dark mahogany when held up to light. A white head is somewhat fizzy, and fades to a slight cap.

I smell serious smoke, hickory, and bacon. Awesome.

It's flavor gives off cured ham, nuts, touch of tobacco and black tea. Slight touch of honey lingers on the finish.

Mouthfeel is on the thinner side, and fairly simple. Not very crisp, but it doesn't lack sufficient carbonation.

Overall this is enjoyable. The flavors kind of own your palate and as it's aroma and flavor bring food to mind, I'd like to try this with some BBQ ribs or something similar.

Definitely worth seeking out to have at least once.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 01:00:40 | More by jbertsch

n2185

North Carolina

3.98/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: pours a clear mahogany with two fingers of beige head that fades into a thin layer with a little lacing.

S: lots of smokey aromas. Smoked meats and campfires come to mind. There are some sweeter bread notes underneath.

T: similar to the aroma, tons of smoke notes. Jerky, campfire, char, and smoked gouda come to mind. The finish has some bready and bitter notes.

M: medium-light body with medium carbonation, this beer is creamy and drinkable.

O: a good beer, overall. I'm not too familiar with the style, but the super smokey aspects are tasty.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 00:15:22 | More by n2185

Cozzatoad

Italy

3.85/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

500ml bottle

A- Almost black in colour with some inviting reddish hints if seen through light. One finger light brown head that leaves lots of lacing on the sides of the glass

S- Clean and clear, though not very strong, smoked aroma. Mainly just smoke, with a bit of a burnt wood character on the back. There is definitely some sweetness on the back of things which i can't put my fingers on, maybe a bit of caramel or oddly enough some faint chocolate notes

T- Pretty much what the smell suggested. Pure, clean smoked flavour. Not on the roasted side as you may expect, but instead very much delicate on the mouth. Much less bitter than you would expect as well, with that background underlying malt sweetness that could also be felt in the aroma. Surprisingly refreshing finish has a slight touch of hops to it, making you longing for another sip. Very nice, clean smoked flavour, though not very complex if compared to other rauchs from the same brewery (or even if compared to their Helles)

M- Super soft mouthfeel. Medium bodied with very low carbonation. Soft and smooth on the palate, silky and smooth on the tongue (where just the slightest bit of carbonation can be felt). Great

O- Clean and somehow simple beer despite it's peculiar character. Has more to it than the not so complex flavour suggests, in terms of balance, drinkability, pure smoked feel. Briefly: not super tasty, but definitely perfect

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2012 10:38:38 | More by Cozzatoad

Kromes

Georgia

4.45/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: A clear dark brown with nice ruby edges and a thick tan colored head that laces the tulip glass.

S: Wow, smells like smoked ham hocks. There is a touch of brown sugar and toasted malt in the background, but it is mostly a rich, sweet smokiness.

T: Rather sweet at first and then the smoke immediately kicks in. There is a bit of brown sugar sweetness, but mostly a nice clean smoke flavor. Never really smoked anything with beech wood, but the sweetness and clean flavor reminds me of mesquite or maybe even more of toasted marshmallows that got a little too close to the fire.

M: Medium body with good carbonation. Finishes sweet and leaves a little stickiness.

O: Of all the smoked beers that I've had, this one is definitely the most pure and clean tasting. It reminds me of winters at home.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2012 23:34:45 | More by Kromes

JerryPinhead

4.6/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Smooth creamy head and outstanding smoked flavor. The first Rauchbier that I have tried, but I will be back for more. The flavor is not overpowering and is perfectly matched fior smoked or bar-b-qued pork.

The smell is reminiscent of hickory smoked bacon and has a hint of almonds. Dark, clear amber color and absolutely perfect cream colored head. Low carbonation and balance make this one an easy drinker.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2012 22:05:09 | More by JerryPinhead

hustlesworth

Ohio

4.88/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A- deep russet brown with bright orange highlights. The head just looks like it's been smoked- a dirty, grayer version of what I would expect from normal marzen foam. It is creamy and lasting and leaves spotty rings of lace.

S- mineral water, bacon, and smoked pork shoulder, ribs, whatever. The boy just smells like BBQ. There are some caramel and chocolatey undertones, but I wouldn't go so far as to compared it to chocolate covered bacon. Savory meaty tartness. Smoke leads the aroma.

T- not so heavily smoked as I remember the weizen and urbock to be. It's a light layer of earthy beech smoke, and underneath that is a rock solid marzen. I wish I could try it unsmoked it's so good. Caramel sweetness with a touch of milk chocolate and brown sugar, a slight fruity quality and perfectly balanced hop bitterness in combination with the smoke makes it easy to compare this to a brown sugar heavy rubbed applewood smoked pork butt. The finish is earthy and drawn out with tangy hop flavor and more light smoke.

MF- absolutely stellar. Low end carbonation allows this one to feel almost nitro smooth. As creamy as melted ice cream yet still able to quench some thirst. Melted chocolate. This is perfection.

D- as a marzen, it's amazing. As a rauchbier, it's smoked out amazing. I've been wanting to try this one for some time, but honestly didn't expect it to be this good. The smoke isn't so overbearing and without the smoke it would be one of the best marzens in my shiny brown marzen book. Metaphor.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 01:25:49 | More by hustlesworth

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

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

The smoke almost takes over the 10 foot radius around the opened beer. It really hit me when I popped the cap. Its a full hickory, almost oaky smoke. Like BBQ type smoke. The taste is dominated by the smoke. very oaky, and dominated by the wood. Its the tale of an unbalanced rauchbier.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2012 21:40:20 | More by VncentLIFE

ryanonline

Florida

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

this beer is an excepitionally deep, dark and clear brown with a thin off white head that is quite foamy and effervescent, which leaves a lot of gobby lacing.

the smell is very heavy of smoke and a faint malt presence, semi sweet, close to a brown ale. no real hop scent can be detected.

the taste is equally similar while having a fairly clean quality to it. the only real discernible downside is that it really has no bitterness to it whatsoever making it a bit of an odd duck. super crisp, too.

the mouthfeel is especially bubbly and effervescent, slightly prickly too. light bodied and definitely a sweet finish.

the drinkability is super high on this, complex enough to be interesting while not being overpowering and very light bodied. though the carbonation might be a bit high for my taste.

all in all another smoke beer to fall in love with, though this one may be for those with a more delicate taste.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2012 00:07:49 | More by ryanonline

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.95/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from 5/2011 notes. Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Deep hazy, ruby red with a one finger, long lasting head. Smoky sweet malt aroma. Smoky with a light bitter malt start, somewhat dry light malt middle and smoky with a hint of hop finish. Light to medium bodied. Side-by-side with the urboch. The marzen does not show much of its malt body, smokiness is dominant throughout. I like the urbock better because it is more complex. This is a decent, light flavored rauchbier if the urbock is not available.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 03:22:39 | More by LiquidAmber

Rutager

British Columbia (Canada)

4.45/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance. Pours a very deep amber-brown with a small, bubbly, off white head.

Smell. Smells like freshly smoked bacon ...in the best possible way, with a little toasty malt.

Taste. First sip has plenty of nice woody smoke, but not too overpowering. The smoke becomes a little more mellow as I continue drinking. There's a bit of caramel and malt in there and even a little bit of earthy hops. Small amount of bitterness in the finish. Very nice.

Mouthfeel. Below medium body with medium carbonation.

Overall. This is quite a mild and refreshing beer. Not what I was expecting based on previous smoked beer experiences. Everything seems so ballanced and besides the smoke, other sublte flavours come through. Best of the style so far for this guy.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2012 01:14:44 | More by Rutager

sdj5

New York

4.63/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured into a large wine glass.

A - Dark brown with a medium amount of white head.

S - It smells like pulled pork without sauce on it. Bacon. Smoked cheese.

T - Minor taste of smoked meat in comparison to the smell, but it actually has marzen taste beyond the light smoke

M - It wasn't particularly carbonated. Easy to drink for such a weird beer.

O - Something done very well that I really enjoyed. Totally unique and I would love to try more. It is not something you'd likely session, but it tastes delicious.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2012 15:50:35 | More by sdj5

tone77

Pennsylvania

2.13/5  rDev -47.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Poured from a brown 16.9 oz. bottle. Has a very dark brown color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of smoked meats. Taste is unlike anything I have had before. Smoke, bacon, meaty, I can see where it would appeal to some but I was unable to finish it. Feels medium bodied and unpleasant in the mouth and overall I did not enjoy it at all.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2012 14:13:33 | More by tone77

SLeffler27

New York

4.1/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Clear, dark walnut brown, with a tacky, creamy head that only rises half an inch, but lasts a long time, leaving a coating of lace.

Similar to other beers from this brewery, the aroma bears a strong resemblance to summer sausage up front. As one acclimates to the smoky aromas, there are subtle, fruity undertones to be discovered.

The flavor is very smoky with pleasant, malty flavors. A secondary sweetness is well checked by a dry following and light bitter finish. Warmth brings out a slight charred malt flavor.

A woolly texture with full body and no alcohol. The finish is dry.

Consumed from an Aecht Schlenkerla pint glass, this makes an excellent choice for relaxing with friends while eating grilled hot dogs on a hot day. Would be awesome while camping or fishing.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2012 02:35:03 | More by SLeffler27

IronLover

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Mahogany brown in color with deep red hues and good clarity. Pours with a thick, light beige froth that dissipates to a wispy cap but leaves plenty of sticky lacings on the glass. Smells like smoked ham in a glass. Smoke malt aroma dominates throughout. On the heavier side of medium bodied with a silky smooth feel. Smokey flavor throughout but mostly upfront. Bitter hop flavors are introduced thru the middle that transition to a brief toasty, marzen-like maltiness. If smoked is your thing, you'll like this. However, it's not mine.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2012 23:39:32 | More by IronLover

BEERMILER12

Maine

4.53/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a dark ruby/mahogany color with a fingers worth of off white head

S: Smoke and salty/bacon aromas dominate. Not much going on behind the scenes because of the intensity of great smoke smell. Really don't see how a rauchbier could smell any better than this

T: Follows the nose, but the intensity of the smoke gets mellowed out just enough for the marzen properties to come through and make a great co-mingling appearance. Think of a 5% Islay single malt minus the peat and with campfire smoke instead

M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation that smoothes things out nicely

O:This is the perfect beer for a single-malt scotch lover. Highly recommended and a must for rauchbier fans

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2012 22:25:58 | More by BEERMILER12

duracell

Quebec (Canada)

4.18/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

500mL bottle into a pilsner glass.

A - Pours a copper color with an off-white creamy head. Nice lacing and medium head retention.

S - Smell is very smoky, like burned salmon on the barbecue! Very surprising at first. Malt and hop are also present at back.

T - The smoke is so dominant in the smell that I was expecting a strong taste. In fact, it's very gentle. Smoke it still there but makes a good balance with the hops and the malt.

M - Medium body and good carbonation. Without knowing if it fits the style, I'd like to find a fuller body.

O - For the first Rauchbier I try, this beer is really interesting. Flavours are nicely blended, making a very drinkable brew which would pair perfectly with a grilled meet.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2012 04:38:10 | More by duracell

beerme626

Kentucky

4.58/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Deep brown, with beautiful foamy 2-finger head.
S: Unbelievable bacon smell. Yummy.
T: A little bit of a let-down after the smell, but still amazing. Smoked, bacony, delicious
M: Flat, but full, foamy, and delicious
O: Absolutely delicious. What can I say? This would be perfect with eggs, sausage, and pancakes.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2012 01:35:41 | More by beerme626

NuclearDolphin

Minnesota

4.68/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a 24oz Beer Stein

Appearance - Dark Brown with a pretty clean look to it. Head rather foamy and is around a 3 finger width, with a pretty fizzy head to go along with it. Lacing is more on the spooted side

Smell - Bonfire is the first word that comes to mind with a pretty strong ham/bacon smell to it. It's like bacon being cooked over an open fire on a cool summer morning. Never smelt anything like this in a beer before but it smells good!

Taste - Rich smoked ham and smoked oak with hints of chocolate and some rather sweet malts. It's got a slight earthy taste to it, but it's overshadowed by the smokey flavors upfront. Unlike any beer I have ever tasted but it tastes delicious!

Mouthfeel - With a pretty light body and low amounts of carbonation, it comes off as being both creamy and easy to drink, which makes an already enjoyable beer taste even better!

Overall - I've never had a Smoked or Rauchbier before, but after having this I think I may have fallen in love this style. It's flavors are rich and smooth which compliment it's easy-on-the-palette feel. Plus it tastes like smoked bacon (In a good way!).

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2012 06:15:24 | More by NuclearDolphin

Digimaika2

Ontario (Canada)

4.18/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Clear reddish-brown with a two finger semi-creamy foam head. Decent retention and lacing.

S: Campfire smoke, lots of ham, dark fruits, and faint dark chocolate. Very bold (ham and smoke) and pleasing mix of aromas that I'm enjoying a lot.

T: Upfront smoke that quickly gives way to smoother darker fruit elements, noticeably plum, which pull this towards a mellower taste. Dark chocolate, caramel, and some nut. Very good overall taste that isn't overly smokey but highlights other key elements.

M: Medium bodied with a low-moderate carbonation. Slick and syrup-like texture with a clear mouthfeel.

D: I'm not a regular rauchbier drinker but I do enjoy the occasional one, and this is definitely one I'd pick up again. Mellower taste transition from smokey to plums were real pleasing.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2012 03:04:41 | More by Digimaika2