Weyermann Schlotfegerla
Weyermann Brauerei GmbH

Had this after a tour of the malting operation in Bamberg. The level of smokiness is not unlike my memory of the rauschbier from that more well-known brewery in town. My memory will be reinforced tomorrow after a visit there. If I'm wrong, I'll change this review.

 

Shared 500 ml swingtop bottle, thanks to gunnar who brought it fresh from Bamberg. ABV is 5.2% Dark reddish brown colour, moderate beige head. Attractive aroma, a mix of sweetish maltiness and smokiness, some fruit too. The flavour is also malty but not too sweet - however, the notes of "smoked meat" are not my favourite. Far too little hops, "empty" finish

L:
-pours a clear dark brown with ruby tinges and a medium,foamy,offwhite head
-medium to high carbonation visible
S:
-smoke,soapy,rose hip,bready
T:
-smoke,spicy,malty,bready,roasty
F:
-medium carbonation
-medium body
O:
Bang-on,quaffable franconian Rauchbier.

 

 

 

 

 

I had a 0.5l swingtop bottle of this with a killer cordon bleu at Cafe Abseits on 24SEP11, setting me back €4.50.

Poured into a small tulip glass, it was a deep, dark brown, dense and opaque. Head was a 1/2" of creamy fluff, tan in color, and it left nice lacing. A decent amount of smoke was present in the aroma, being neither subtle nor overpowering. Body was solid, mid-range, and presented nothing rough on the tongue.

A light touch of sweetness was found, with a bit of caramel. The rauch came on well, again being a nicely balanced amount. Lightly floral at the finish, it was quite dry as well. Solid and sessionable. Prosit!!

4 rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1379

500ml swingtop bottle acquired at the Weyermann pilot brewery "fan shop" after an English language tour of their malt roast production process. Cost was 2.50 Euro plus 2.50 pfand (deposit), which is rather steep by Bamberg standards. Served into a .3l halleroder bierkrug at me friend's gaff in Bamberg. Reviewed live. I tend to love rauchbiers, so I'm excited to try this one.

A: Four finger wonderful tan had of lovely cream, brilliant thickness, and great retention. Very dark brown-black colour. I'm looking foward to this one.

Sm: Roasted caramelized malt, light bacon (far lighter than Schlenkerla anyway), and maybe some nuts. Difficult to discern with me broken nose; all apologies.

T: Roasted malt, bacon, cream, and some nutty hops on the fringes. I'd like more bacon; it's a bit tame for what I've come to expect from rauchbiers, but pleasant nonetheless. A bit of chocolate and toffee enters in on the climax. It's a two act beer, with no real open: just the body/climax and the finish. This structure may be simple, but it works for the beer. The balance is maintained and it remains well-built.

Mf: Far too smooth for a rauchbier, but also too dry, which is a sort of push-pull feel that doesn't resound with the flavours and doesn't resolve satisfactorily. Instead, you're left with an awful dryness as an aftereffect. There's no wet open to curb this effect, which is unforgivable.

Dr: The mouthfeel just doesn't match the flavours of the body, which are themselves quite nice. It's steeply priced by Bamberg standards, but could be a much better beer if they'd only fix that damn texture.