Nothing prepares you for your first Schlenkerla. It is a rauchbier, a smoked beer from Bamberg, made with malt dried over beechwood fires, and it tastes like liquid smoked bacon. It is one of the most distinctive beers in the world, loved and hated in equal measure. Everyone should try it once, so I picked one up for this guide.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen at a glance
| Style | Rauchbier (smoked marzen) |
| ABV | 5.1% |
| Calories | Around 160 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla, Bamberg, Germany |
| Character | Intense smoke, bacon, toasted malt |
| Best served | Cool, in a mug |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is an intensely smoky amber lager, a genuine one-of-a-kind flavour experience.
The full review
It pours a deep amber-brown with a creamy off-white head. The aroma hits you immediately, intense woodsmoke, smoked ham and a bonfire note, over a toasted-malt base. There is no mistaking it for anything else.
The flavour is every bit as smoky as the nose. Beechwood smoke and smoked meat dominate, wrapped around a solid toasted-marzen malt body and a clean lager finish. Underneath the smoke there is actually a well-made, balanced lager, which is easy to miss the first time.
It is genuinely polarising. The first sip can be a shock, but many drinkers find it becomes addictive, and it is superb with grilled or smoked food. Think of it as the Islay whisky of the beer world.
Judged for what it is, an authentic, world-famous smoke beer, it is brilliant and utterly unique. Everyone with an interest in beer should try it at least once.
It tastes like liquid smoked bacon, and it is one of the most distinctive beers in the world.
- The world’s most famous smoke beer
- Utterly unique smoked-malt flavour
- A well-made lager under all that smoke
- Superb with grilled and smoked food
- Genuinely polarising, not for everyone
- The smoke can overwhelm on the first try
Who it is for
If you want to taste one of the most unique beers on earth, Schlenkerla is essential. Perfect for adventurous drinkers and for pairing with barbecue.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen FAQs
What is a rauchbier?
A rauchbier is a German smoked beer, traditional to Bamberg, brewed with malt that has been dried over open beechwood fires. This gives it an intense smoky, bacon-like flavour. Schlenkerla is the most famous example.
Why does Schlenkerla taste like bacon?
The smoky, meaty flavour comes from beechwood-smoked malt, not from any meat. The malt is dried over open beech fires, which infuses the whole beer with a smoked-ham character.
Is Schlenkerla an acquired taste?
Yes. The intense smoke divides opinion and can be a shock at first, but many drinkers find it becomes addictive. It pairs brilliantly with grilled and smoked food.
Where to buy Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen is available in bottles across much of the US. Buy it using the button above and try it with barbecue.
The verdict
Schlenkerla is the world’s most famous smoke beer and one of the most distinctive beers you can drink, an intensely smoky Bamberg marzen with a well-made lager underneath. Everyone should try it once.
FAQs
Who makes Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen?
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen is brewed by Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla (independently, family-owned).
What kind of beer is Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen?
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen is a Rauchbier (smoked marzen), at 5.1% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen?
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen has an ABV of 5.1%.
How many calories are in Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen?
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen has Around 160 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen made?
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen is brewed by Heller-Trum / Schlenkerla in Bamberg, Germany. For more from that country, see our best Germany beers guide.
How do I open Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen?
Cool, in a mug. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
