Smoked Beer: Where To Buy This Unique Brew?

Smoked beer, also known as Rauchbier, has survived modernisation and can be purchased from several online and in-store retailers. Bamberg, Germany is known for its smoked beers, and new variations are now being brewed in the US and Canada. Aecht Schlenkerla, Sonnen Hill Brewing, Steel & Oak Brewing Co., and ShopWineDirect are some of the breweries and retailers offering smoked beers.

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier

The beer is crafted using ancient malting traditions, with select barley malts kilned over a fire of beech wood logs, resulting in its distinctive smoky flavour. It is then brewed in classic copper vessels and matured for months in 14th-century cellars, adding to its complex character.

The Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier has a dark brown to almost black colour, with a rich head. On the nose, it offers aromas of smoked meat, bacon, leather, and toasted/burnt malt, complemented by notes of dried herbs and charred wood. The palate is off-dry, full-bodied, and slightly bittersweet, with flavours of smoke, charred wood, toasted nuts, and dark fruit. The finish is lingering, smoky, with hints of citrus, caramel, and molasses.

You can purchase Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier online directly from the Schlenkerla website. It is also available at selected retailers in Germany and exported to the USA and other countries. In Bamberg itself, the beer is served from wooden barrels at the historic brewery tavern, providing a traditional drinking experience.

Sonnen Hill Brewing

The beer boasts biscuity malt aromas with a subtle wisp of smoke, creating a delightful prelude to the tasting experience. On the palate, you'll discover smoked honey malt flavours that are beautifully complemented by a spritzy carbonation and a dry finish. The smoke enhances the depth of flavour without overwhelming your senses, making it a refreshing choice.

The brewery also has an online presence, with a user-friendly website that allows customers to explore their products and make purchases. The website includes clear navigation arrows, ensuring a seamless browsing experience. Sonnen Hill Brewing also has a bottle shop and a taproom, although these are closed during January and February.

For those interested in trying the smoked lager beer, the website ensures a straightforward purchasing process. The product page highlights the key attributes of the beer, including its ABV and volume. It also provides a detailed description of the beer's aromas and flavours, giving customers a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.

Steel & Oak Brewing Co

If you're looking for smoked beer, Steel & Oak Brewing Co. in New Westminster, BC, is the place to go. They have a range of smoked beers, including their Smoked Hefeweizen, a traditional German wheat beer style with a smoky twist, and their Smoked Honey Doppelbock, a strong, malty beer with a touch of honey and a smoky flavour.

The Smoked Hefeweizen, for instance, is a Witbier with a 5.2% ABV and 15 IBU. It has a light, smoky flavour with a touch of wheat and yeast. The Smoked Honey Doppelbock is a stronger beer, with a 7.9% ABV and 20 IBU. It has a malty backbone, notes of honey, and a smooth, smoky finish.

In addition to their smoked offerings, Steel & Oak Brewing Co. has a wide range of other beers, from their Royal City Ale, a Blonde Ale with a 5.0% ABV and 20 IBU, to their Dark Lager, a Munich Dunkel with a 5.0% ABV and 27 IBU. They also offer seasonal and limited-edition beers, so there's always something new to try.

If you're in the area, be sure to stop by their brewery, located at 1319 Third Avenue, to sample their unique and delicious beers. You can also find their beers at various retailers and on tap at select bars and restaurants.

Bamberg, Germany

Schlenkerla is a historic smoked beer brewery located in the old town of Bamberg, directly beneath the cathedral. The brewery has a long history, first mentioned as the "House of the blue lion" in 1405, and is currently run by the Trum family in its sixth generation. Schlenkerla is known for its Original Schlenkerla Smokebeer, or "Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier" in German, which has a strong and unmistakable taste. The smoky flavour of the beer is achieved by exposing the malt to the intense smoke of burning beechwood logs during the malting process. The beer is then matured in 600-year-old cellars deep beneath the hills of Bamberg, resulting in a mellow and magnificent-tasting beverage.

In addition to Schlenkerla, another well-known brewery in Bamberg that produces smoked beer is Spezial. Both Schlenkerla and Spezial have continued the traditional smoked beer production methods for more than a century, and their beers are considered to be the classic examples of the smoked beer category. The Brewers Association distinguishes three variations of Bamberg-style Rauchbier: Helles, Märzen, and Bock, each brewed with smoked malts replacing some or all of the mash bill.

When visiting Bamberg, you can enjoy a glass of smoked beer directly from the wooden barrel at Schlenkerla's brewery tavern, or in one of the many drinking establishments throughout the city. The "Alte Lokal", with its white-scrubbed wooden tables and old timbered ceiling, is a popular spot to savour a glass of Schlenkerla. Alternatively, you can visit the "Klause", a former monastery built in 1310, or enjoy your beer in the inner court next to a 500-liter wooden keg.

So, if you're looking to buy smoked beer in Bamberg, Germany, be sure to check out Schlenkerla and Spezial, the two most renowned producers of this unique and historic beer style.

Total Wine & More

On their website, you can browse through a vast selection of beers, including popular national brands and new, unique microbrews. They carry a wide range of imported beers from over 70 countries, so you can explore the world of beer from the comfort of your home.

In addition to their extensive online selection, Total Wine & More also offers in-store purchases and convenient delivery options. You can even find beer kegs for your larger gatherings or special occasions.

So, if you're looking to buy smoked beer, Total Wine & More should be your go-to destination. With their impressive selection, knowledgeable guides, and convenient purchasing options, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious smoked beer in no time.

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