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500ml Stubby
$3.69
Binny's Orland

When I'm in the mood for a Rauchbier I usually reach for Schlenkerla's Marzen. Pours a beautiful chestnut brown with ribbons of mahogany when backlit. Tiny streams of carbonation rise to the surface as there's tiny sediment suspended throughout. A one finger beige head formed on the pour and rather quickly fell to a solid cap. No lacing was left after the head fell but each sip did leave some decent lacing.

The aroma is that of good hardwood smoked bacon. There's a strong presence of smoke once your nose is stuck in the glass but there is a solid caramel and fresh grain base that reminds you you're smelling beer and not breakfast.

While the smokiness is certainly there and in your face it's tastefully done without being overwhelming. The initial flavor of smoked bacon is upfront but quickly levels out to include a caramel sweetness mid-palate and a clean graininess toward the finish. It's hard to believe but this beer, even with all the smoke, is fragile. All the flavors come together without one outdoing the other.

I do really enjoy the mouthfeel of this beer. Seems to have a moderate body but the carbonation creates an incredibly smooth creamy finish. This beer just glides through my mouth effortlessly.

This is a beer I find myself in the mood for every now and then but it's best enjoyed with certain types of food. Smoked salmon is a great choice. That said one in a sitting is enough for me but that one bottle goes down pretty easy.

Like I said earlier, if I'm in the mood for something a little off the beaten path this is what I pick up. This is one world class rauchbier.

Reviewed: 2/1/08

Price: $3.69 Served In: Pint Glass