Spezial Rauchbier Lager - Brauerei Spezial

MattSweatshirt

Texas

3.68/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I didn't study the breweries too well before going to Bamberg apparently. I was expecting more rauchbier everywhere. The only ones I encountered were at Schlenkerla. After a few more stops I hit Spezial and after a reassurance about the lager from a random Brit next to me I ordered the lager on tap.
Turns out this is a rauchlager! Wasn't expecting that. The taste was quite hammy and smoky. The nose didn't indicate too much smoke and was a lot less dull than the beers I had at Schlenkerla. Still a wonderful brew. Had a couple while chatting with this new found Brit beer enthusiast. and the night went downhill from there.

Serving type: on-tap

12-25-2012 07:10:53 | More by MattSweatshirt

seanyfo

United Kingdom (Scotland)

4.4/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

50cl serving in a seidel at Spezial, Bamberg

A - Amber/gold body with excellent clarity. 3 finger creamy white head produces average retention/lacing

S - Notes of Stornoway black pudding,bacon and light caramel malt

T - Light biscuit malt with smoke/black pudding coming in with hint of toasted malts in a clean full finish.

M - Medium carbonation/body

D - For me by far the best rauchbier in Bamberg. This bacon/black pudding note is awesome with the kiss of biscuit malts. It goes down far too easy. Excellent.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2012 18:39:57 | More by seanyfo

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Tap at Armsby Abbey.

Big fluffy head over the top of the mug, clear toasty orange golden brown color.

Nose great toasty malts, oktoberfest like toasty malts, munich malt, light smoked malts, some lager fruits.

Taste starts with some smoked malts, not really the smoke meat or cheese level but nice smoke flavor, some light toasty malts, definite lager yeast with fruit and a crisp flavor, light sweet syrupy reddish munich malts, finishes a bit drier but sticky, lingering lots of malts, hint of bitterness and some smoked malts.

Mouth is med to a bit lighter bodied, good carb, very crisp.

Overall great, nice smoke that isn't overpowering, great crisp lager flavors, nice malts, almost oktoberfest like.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2011 00:26:39 | More by jlindros

CampusCrew

Florida

3.75/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a let down, great beer garden and view, but all the locals said this was the beer.

appearance: golden lackig had retention

smell: sublte smoke

taste: standard lager, tad of smoke

mouthfeel: medium bodied

drinkability: well balanced, equally drinkable lager.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2011 15:40:22 | More by CampusCrew

smakawhat

Maryland

3.98/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured on tap at Church key into a 10oz tumbler.

Appears as a real nice amber color, copper like and clear. Head has a nice off white tiny bubble head that goes nowhere of about one finger. Foamy and gives decent lacing on the glass.

Smell is a muted typical beechwood, smoke etc.. for this style muted, but also a strange starchy vegetable potato like smell also. I still dig it.

Taste is a light smoke, and a carbonated soft finish combination. Strangely for this style a little soda cola sweet on the finish, and even perhaps a little spritzy.

I still dig it overall, seem to push the right Rauchbier buttons for me, so I still dig it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-18-2011 02:16:16 | More by smakawhat

drabmuh

Maryland

3.8/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Beer served in a snifter, on draft. Beer is yellow and mostly clear with a soft white head, low carbonation minimal lacing, looks good.

Beer definitely has a hickory / smoke aroma. There is a slightly off putting vegetal aroma.

Beer is light in body and minimally flavored until the smoke comes up on the second half of the palate and finishes oddly bitter and dry. Overall, it's not my favorite rauchbier but I'm glad I had it, I doubt I would return to it though.

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2011 21:07:50 | More by drabmuh

Chambic

California

3.53/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Andres picked this for me, and you always have to try the bartender's suggestion.

A: clear yellow, with an oddly amber tint, and a big, fluffy head

S: not much going on except for that bit of smoke

T: same as the smell in that there wasn't too much flavor to detect, but the finish was slightly smoky

M: nice and cold, making it an odd choice for a Swedish winter night, but it was light and smooth

D: not too bad, I wouldn't object to having it again

Notes from 02.16.10 at Akkurat in Stockholm.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2010 20:59:54 | More by Chambic

MillRat

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On tap at the brauerei in Bamberg.

A rich coppery color with a white head that faded to ring that left plenty of lacing behind. A nice malty aroma that mingled with a subtle beechwood smoke. The flavor delivered on the aroma's promise, with a more mild rauch flavor than that from the brewery on the other side of the river. The solid medium-weight malt body balanced the rauch, plus a touch of hop bitterness, too. Nothing out of place, everything where it needs to be, by far the most sessionable smoked beer I've had.

When in Bamberg join the locals at the long tables and drink the smoked beer Bambergers drink.

Serving type: on-tap

05-17-2010 22:12:21 | More by MillRat

selecter70

Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Not at all what I expected, but no misgivings here. As i saddled up to the Other Side bar on a cold, wet Spring day, I decided on the rauchbier, much maligned sadly. It seemed like the perfect day for a deep, smoky rich beer, instead of a porter, as I had some great lamb meatloaf awaiting me. Instead, a bright coppery pour to dark honey lager looking 0.5l stein came my way with a fluffy white 1 finger head on board. The white lace stuck about in small pockets and minimized on top as I drank. I thought that the aroma would be smoky as well, but only in a subtle "if you were looking for it, you'd notice it" kind of way. Likewise with the flavor; only a subtle smokiness that rounded off the malt flavors in this exceptional near dunkel lager. Fresh, crisp and a bit bubbly to the mouth, this is one you could drink & drink & drink...and watch your smile grow. A damn fine surprise!

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2010 20:26:19 | More by selecter70

EPICAC

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This Rauchbier pours a clear, amber-tinged, copper color. It's topped by a thick, off-white head that fades to a film, leaving a good amount of lace. The aroma is clean and crisp. There are notes of caramel and light fruit, as well as a hint of smoke.

The beer is clean and mild upfront. A mild, bready sweetness mellows into a grassy textured finish with a mild smokiness. This beer is light-bodied, crisp, and has moderate carbonation.

This was another nice smoked beer. The smoke was very subtle and really served to enhance the beer's flavors without overpowering them.

Serving type: on-tap

04-06-2010 19:38:44 | More by EPICAC

donkeyrunner

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

at The Other Side Cafe, Boston MA. $9 .5l

Orange with a fluffy white head. Great lace and retention. In this big Spaten mug it's definitely Beerfest worthy.

Smells...fruity. There is smoke there as well but it's not that dominant. The fruity esters combined with the smoke gives a nice applewood smoke impression. Honeyed sweetness too. Taste is nice and smokey with a equally pleasant toasty lager. Again, not as smoke heavy as many rauchs but still plenty good enough.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2010 23:00:04 | More by donkeyrunner

morebeergood

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Deep Ellum, Allston. Served in a 0.4l German mug. Dark amber color. Fizzy white head that faded quickly. Slight smell of smoke in the nose. Nice peaty and smoky flavor, but not as intense as a typical rauchbier. Since this is a lager, I feel that the brewer wanted to tone that aspect down a bit so that it retained some of the drinkability of a lager. That is the quality that I liked the most: it had that smoky flavor, but was easy to drink in a big German beer mug. Light enough body, but had just enough malt behind it to make it a sturdy brew. A nice beer for smoked beer lovers, and a nice beer for lager drinkers - best of both worlds. Paired nicely with my pasta with sage and pumpkin cream sauce.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2010 03:26:20 | More by morebeergood

germanbeer1

Maine

3.88/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this several times on-tap at the Spezial Brewery in Bamberg which is nearly 100 years older than Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, and is located just across the bridge. It has a reddish color with a head equal to that of Schlenkerla, but a much more subdued smell, which is indicative of the taste. It's very easy to drink and the typical Rauchbier taste is only noticed after taking a swig, not during. Spezial definitely doesn't have the same impact as Schlenkerla, but it certainly is a beer worth drinking if you want to drink a much easier Rauchbier. The brewery though certainly has the best Beer Keller around with fantastic views of the Bamberg Cathedral and town.

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2008 03:23:28 | More by germanbeer1

fitzy84

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the Moan and Dove. Really, wicked good dark amber appearance with a slowly thinned head. The smell was the key; it was a little hard to discern at first. Yes, it definitely had a "smoked" texture to it, but the real flavors of both malt and grain were deliciously discovered through the nostrils. Those same flavors were bittersweetly shown in the taste of the beverage. A pretty good medium body saved it from being too watery. Overall, this is definitely a drink to check out.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2008 03:20:55 | More by fitzy84

TurdFurgison

Ohio

3.78/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on tap at the Old Forge restaurant in Massachusetts. It was presented in a goblet, and had a clear amber brown color with a wisp of a head. The aroma was malty and smoky, but not as aggressive as I expected for an authentic German rauchbier. A little less of a campfire smell than I've seen from several others. The taste was also a little more neutral than other rauchbiers, but definitely had some smoky flavor in it. In my opinion, this is a good gateway rauchbier, to bring someone into the fold.

Serving type: on-tap

08-15-2007 11:21:23 | More by TurdFurgison

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.33/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

smoke aroma, on-tap at the Moan and Dove in Mass., no. 1 ranked bar in the country. Attractive significant Bubblly head. Light creamy mouthfeel,taste of smoke and some caramel and malt behind it moderating the smoke flavour, but otherwise nothing special. ABove average carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

07-15-2007 18:48:37 | More by northyorksammy

foles

Australia

4.35/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Had this on tap at Brauerei Spezial in Bamberg - on an especially rainy day. A lovely dark looking lager colour in the glass. Smoked flavour is more prominent in the smell than in the taste. Very drinkable - beer is very smooth rather like a helles. Its a better bet to try this rauch beer first as its a good introduction to the style without being overpowered with smoke.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2007 16:51:27 | More by foles

Stimack

New York

4.2/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Was able to give this brew a try on tap and I must say what a delight as I am a big fan of Rauchbier but rarely get them and even more rare to see them on tap. Was presented with an amber color with orange highlights. Had a good sized slightly off (hedging to tan) white head that had nice retention and left a good amount of lacing down the side of the glass. The aroma is very pleasant as the smokiness shows through along with what I perceive as a nice malt scent. The taste is really where the smokiness comes out, seems to have the flavors that would go along with smoked meats minus the meats, kind of like a smoker before food is added. I know that there are other beers out there that have a more smoke filled profile but I think that this one has the balance that is needed for this type of brew. Besides the smoke flavors I am able to pick up the malts that seem to give a sweet taste while having a nice dry finish. Overall this is a very easy drinking brew, this would easily be a great session brew in my book if you like this type.

Serving type: on-tap

05-18-2007 15:05:16 | More by Stimack

drseamus

New York

4.05/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I got a 10oz of this at Mahar's because I am always a bit wary of rauchbiers. I wish I had gotten a bigger one in retrospect. It pours a light amber with a one finger white head. The aroma was VERY malty with a good biscuit quality and a hint of zoo funk in there. The flavor is very malty with a good but not overpowering smoke character. It reminds me of a roasted pig somewhat. There are some caramel notes as well. The body was light to medium. Overall, one of the better smoked beers I've had.

Serving type: on-tap

05-12-2007 17:06:07 | More by drseamus

bruachan

Rhode Island

3.75/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

sampled in the garten along with a rauchhefe

the beer seems to be a märzen under the smoke, but someone here disagrees. i'm tasting this right after the schlenkerla rauch (second to none) so the smoke character appears subtle in comparison, which certainly has its merits as well. i'd say i prefer the bacon-in-a-glass approach this allows the hop aromas to be fairly pronounced

the smoke flavor is exclusively up front and out back. in the middle it's all malt and hops

Serving type: on-tap

07-04-2006 14:50:29 | More by bruachan

klewis

Ohio

3.18/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

On-tap at The Brew Kettle - Strongsville, OH 5/28/06

A: Served in a pint glass, it poured a hazy light borwn color with little head or lacing.

S: Aromas of pure honey and a touch of smoke.

T: Much like the smell. The taste was sweet with flavors of honey and caramel and reminded me of the one sampling of mead that I've had. I was expecting more smokiness, but didn't get too much here. A subtle ashy character came into play late into the taste and in the finish.

M: Light-bodied and heavily carbonated with a clean finish.

D: Not a bad beer, but sort of a disapointment after having the Schlenkerla rauchbier - I want more smokiness. The honey-like sweetness got a bit old by the time I finished the beer, so I wouldn't want to drink more than one at a time.

Serving type: on-tap

05-29-2006 14:09:09 | More by klewis

MarineHokie

Connecticut

3.6/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Bright, clear, pale golden color. Thin white head. Decent retention leaves a little lacing.

S- Tomato blossoms, grain, and light smoke.

T- Crisp light hoppiness finishes with smoke that goes on and on...and on. I could still taste a little smoke after the next beer, a bitter.

M- Crisp finish smoothed out by the lingering smoke. Not an everyday beer, but very drinkable on occasion.

Serving type: on-tap

10-24-2005 21:34:27 | More by MarineHokie

twelvsies

Maine

2.8/5  rDev -24.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Hmmm, interesting. Glad I tried this, but I don't think I'll be going back to it, it's just not my style. That being said, pours a fairly average looking golden color with some white bubbly head on top. Smell is fairly nondescript but includes notes of spicy hops, dust, and smokeyness. The taste/aftertaste is way too smoky for me. I realized that it was supposed to be smoky but I didn't think it would be that overpowering. I enjoy a bit of the subtle smoke flavor of some porters but this flavor was right out front and was difficult to ignore in order to taste the rest of what the beer had to offer. As you drink this beer you kind of get used to the smokiness but was a challenge for me to finish a whole one, and I don't think I've ever said that in a review before... try this one at your own risk and know ahead of time that you're in for something weird. Weird isn't necessarily bad, but I didn't like this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-10-2005 19:35:45 | More by twelvsies

sulldaddy

Connecticut

2.55/5  rDev -30.9%
look: 4 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Well I am guessing I had the lager, since most everyone else has. I sampled a chilled 10 oz snifter at Kclingers on tap. I was excited for a rauchbier as I enjoy smokiness in my brew. I have to say I was let down.
The beer arrives with no head and is a cloudy orange color. Aroma is very mild with sweet fruit (apples and pears) dominant. No smoke that my nose can detect. No hops either. Much more mild than I expected and seems to be more of a belgian than a rauch.
Flavor is similar to nose, no smoke flavor is sweet and fruity apples pears and tangy yeast. I get some lemon and slightly spicy hops but again no smoke. DOnt get me wrong the beer is quite tasty, but I ordered what I thought was a smoke beer and it ended up tasting like a dubbel. ENjoyable beer but my marks are low due to lack of smoke.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2005 20:36:37 | More by sulldaddy

benmiliron

Ohio

3.03/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Paid $3.29 for a 1pt 9oz bottle.

Looks a bit musty brown. Decent carbonation, big bubble but not frothy. Decent. Smells of campfire and beer, in that order. This is my first Bamburg Rauchbier. I enjoy the smoke, but would prefer not to drink it solo. Better paired with something else smoky I imagine.

Serving type: on-tap

12-18-2004 00:03:32 | More by benmiliron