Aecht Schlenkerla is the Bamberg, Germay brewer which is known for being the godfather of Rauchbier producers in Germany, and hence, the world. Fastenbier is produced in a limited fashion to be available only during the 40 days of Lent. This beer can get you through your other Lenten fasts, or, like me, it can bring a heavy kiss of smoke on a Winter night. I was lucky enough to pick up a counter-pressure filled bomber of this brew at Bierkraft last week and was very pleased to have the chance to enjoy this draft only beer at home.
Fastenbier pours a pretty clear medium brown color with some yellow and red highlights. A nice big and bubbly head starts you down the path of remembering that there’s not much subtle about a 50% smoked malt beer. A big heavy hit of smoke on the nose, backed by some mellow hop and malt smells otherwise, this beer smells exactly like I do after a barbecue or a weekend down in Maryland around the bonfire. This is an easy drinking, 5.5% ABV lager that finishes very crisp and clean, despite the intense smoke, malt and hop flavors that marry together to form a very rustic yet complex beer. A very special, hand-made product from one of the most staunchly traditional breweries in a staunchly conservative beer country, anything from Schlenkerla is worth tracking down, but if it’s still Lent when you read this — you still have a chance.
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