Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock
Pours an clear, dark brown with sticky white lace. The aroma: oh my. My first rauchbier, this was a surprise. Strongly pungent of old ashes and wet, organic-laden smoky fires; brought back memories of childhood, when we used to burn off driftwood and other flotsam on the shore of Lake Erie. A strong hint of bacon as well; as a vegetarian I had to visit the website to make sure they weren't pitching hogs instead of yeast in the brewing process. Taste is smooth, slightly bitter, not especially sweet. Bacon grease and more smoke, conjured up memories of camp breakfasts, cast-iron stoves, and the dead of winter. Finishes with a mildly malty, bock-ish zing. An amazingly bizarre yet interesting style; who knew beer could jog such a vivid blast from the past? Maybe it's my German heritage, but I could definitely sit around sipping this all night and reminiscing with good friends and family.