The Smoky Rauchbier
Archana Nambiar
A marketing professional skilled at driving brand strategy, customer engagement, and strategic partnerships. Skilled at developing integrated campaigns across digital and event channels that further brand awareness.
At Mannheim Craft Brewery , we're excited to introduce our latest offering: a traditional Rauchbier. As you savour this distinctive smoky brew, let's take a journey through time to explore the rich history of this unique beer style.
Rauchbier, which literally translates to "smoke beer" in German, boasts a heritage that stretches back centuries. This style originated in the picturesque town of Bamberg, located in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. The story of Rauchbier is a tale of tradition, preservation, and a steadfast commitment to a unique brewing process.
Our Rauchbier is an elegant, malty German lager with a balanced beechwood smoke character. Based on the M?rzen style, this beer was brewed with smoked barley malt that introduces smokey, bacon-like aromas (all veg!) alongside notes of toasted bread and rich malty aromas. The flavour profile is mildly smokey and toasty, reminiscent of a camp fire. Its reddish amber color is as inviting as its complex taste, and at 6.2% ABV, it offers a satisfying drinking experience.
The roots of Rauchbier can be traced back to the 1500s, a time when most beers had a smoky character. This wasn't a deliberate flavour choice, but rather a byproduct of the malting process. In those days, malted barley was dried over open flames, which inevitably imparted a smoky flavour to the grain and, consequently, to the beer.
As brewing technology advanced over the centuries, most regions moved away from this smoky profile, opting for cleaner-tasting beers. However, Bamberg stood firm, keeping the tradition of smoke-flavored beer alive. It's as if the town became a living time capsule, preserving an ancient method of beer production while the rest of the world moved on.
The key to Rauchbier's distinct flavour lies in its malting process. The malted barley used in brewing is dried over open beechwood fires, infusing the grain with an intense smoky aroma and flavour. This process is reminiscent of how all beers were made centuries ago, making each sip of Rauchbier a taste of brewing history.
Over time, Rauchbier became more than just a beer in Bamberg; it evolved into a cultural icon. It represented a connection to the past, a symbol of the town's brewing heritage, and a source of local pride. The most famous example of this style, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier from Bamberg, has been instrumental in keeping this tradition alive and introducing it to beer enthusiasts around the world.
Despite its strong association with Bamberg, Rauchbier's influence has spread far beyond the borders of this small German town. In recent years, craft breweries around the world, including our own Mannheim Craft Brewery, have embraced this style, adding their own interpretations while respecting its rich heritage.
The story of Rauchbier is a testament to the power of tradition in the face of change. While the brewing world has seen countless innovations and trends come and go, Rauchbier has remained true to its roots. It offers beer lovers a unique opportunity to experience a flavour profile that was once common but is now a delightful rarity.
As you enjoy our Rauchbier here at Mannheim Craft Brewery , remember you're partaking in a centuries-old tradition. Each smoky sip connects you to the medieval brewers of Bamberg, to the generations of beer lovers who have cherished this unique style, and to a brewing method that has stood the test of time.