Well here’s my last Rauchbier for a while, I’m about all smoked out. Funny how these beers grow on you, despite initial misgivings.
I’ve had a few of those experiences over the years. I think the first time I had a beer and couldn’t deal with it I was maybe in the 6th grade. I had a nice warm can of Miller all to myself. Popped the top, tipped it back, and YUCK….! How can anyone drink these things!
I had a similar experience the first Rauchbier I drank many decades later. I’m not really sure what I was expecting. I was in the process of trying a lot of the import beers on the shelves and getting acquainted with beers rarely found here in the United States. This was about the time IPA’s were coming out strong, about 20 years ago. So at the time, I couldn’t of really told you what was in the beer, it just had this great Teutonic look to that label and I had to try it!
So, into the glass, this time chilled and tip it back, mouth open wide and dump in a big, big glug. Gawd, (couch, cough)! What the heck is this????
Well over the years, I’ve bought that same beer over and over again. I guess that’s brewer's success right? Going back for another and another of the same brew. These Rauchbiers can really grow on you too. I’ve mentioned before you barely even notice the smokiness after a bunch of big swigs and your taste buds adjust to the smoky onslaught. Give me more! I mean seriously - smoky meats, cheeses, beers – you always come back for more. Who ever turned down an extra serving of BACON fer cryin’ out loud!
This is Aecht Schlenkerla’s 5.1% ABV Marzen beer. DELICIOUS! Not sure if this is brewed in “March”, my guess is with the popularity, they’re cranking this one out all year long! Prost!