Schlenkerla Fastenbier sightings (2020)

Discussion in 'New England' started by Witherby, Feb 29, 2020.

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  1. Witherby

    Witherby Crusader (498) Jan 5, 2011 Massachusetts

    Has anyone seen Schlenkerla Fastenbier (Lent beer) yet? It is only available at Schlenkerla between Ash Wednesday (which was Wednesday, 2/26) and Easter. In the past few years it seemed to hit the US in early summer but lately they have finally figured out the distribution so that it is actually released in the US during Lent.

    The German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island (GACSRI) in Pawtucket is tapping a wooden keg of the beer tonight at their Fasching party. Cover is $10.

    But in case I can't go, has anyone seen cans or had the beer on draft anywhere else? I don't want to miss this beer (again). It is definitely one of the best beers I have ever had, when I've been able to find it.

    The Original Schlenkerla Lentbeer is an unfiltered smokebeer, brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Bottom-fermenting yeast gives the reddish brown lentbeer a natural cloudiness. Its smokey aroma is already noticeable in the smell, combined with a fine hoppy note. In the drink the fullbodied, highly drinkable lentbeer shows its strong malty flavour, rounded up with the smokey taste and a light bitterness. Due to the nourishing yeast, the Original Schlenkerla Lentbeer has the "Brotzeit already included" (German word for afternoon snack).

    Brewing process:
    Different from the Original Schlenkerla Smokebeer, the Schlenkerla Lentbeer is made from a mixture of light (e.g. non smoked) malt and Schlenkerla Smoked Malt. It is brewed in classic copper kettles in a two-decoction mash with hops from Spalt (near Nuremberg) and Hallertau. One week of primary fermentation is being followed by a two month period of lagering in the ancient cellars underneath Bamberg. The lentbeer is being served unfiltered with fine bottom fermenting yeast from the keg and thus preserves its full body and aroma.

    Historical background:
    Fasting was already being practiced by the Romans in the old ages. The early Christians adapted this ritual in the 2nd century as a two-day preparation for the Easter celebration. In later centuries, the church extended the lent-period to the now common 40 days. According to the principle "liquida non frangunt ieiunium" (liquids do not break the fast), the monks in the middle-age monasteries would brew a stronger, more nuriting beer for the time of lent to stay in shape for the daily labor. The Original Schlenkerla Lentbeer is based on this tradition and only being served in the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter.
     
    #1 Witherby, Feb 29, 2020
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  2. LetsGoExploring

    LetsGoExploring Pooh-Bah (1,550) Apr 25, 2006 Connecticut
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Looks like B.United canned it two days ago so should be around soon!
     
    #2 LetsGoExploring, Feb 29, 2020
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  3. Crusader

    Crusader Pooh-Bah (1,725) Feb 4, 2011 Sweden
    Pooh-Bah

    They've apparently upped the original gravity of the beer to 16% from 14.5%, and the abv has been increased accordingly to 5.9% from 5.5%. I noticed that the US canned version last year was 5.9% and I figured they had attenuated it more strongly to make it more shelf stable, but now I'm thinking you got a taste of the new recipe before the rest of us. I'm looking forward to trying the new version which was released over here on friday.
     
    #3 Crusader, Feb 29, 2020
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  4. Stormfield

    Stormfield Savant (1,065) Feb 21, 2011 Massachusetts

    I was in Northampton last weekend and I thought Provisions had it, but I must be wrong since the above post reports that it was just canned.
     
    #4 Stormfield, Mar 1, 2020
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  5. LetsGoExploring

    LetsGoExploring Pooh-Bah (1,550) Apr 25, 2006 Connecticut
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Could be fresh; B. United Instagram is confusing. Post three days ago seemed to indicate the canning run. Yet Schlenkerla Instagram post on 2/13 stated cans available in US.
     
    #5 LetsGoExploring, Mar 1, 2020
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  6. thedivebar

    thedivebar Crusader (434) Feb 26, 2007 Massachusetts

    We just received a 50l barrel at Armsby Abbey and will likely tap it for the weekend.
     
    #6 thedivebar, Mar 4, 2020
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  7. Witherby

    Witherby Crusader (498) Jan 5, 2011 Massachusetts

    And it is pouring very nicely. Amazing creamy head. Wonderful smoky aroma. Not as subtle as some people seem to have reviewed it in the past. You definitely know you are drinking a rauchbier. So good.
     
    #7 Witherby, Mar 7, 2020
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  8. SABERG

    SABERG Grand Pooh-Bah (5,001) Sep 16, 2007 Massachusetts
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Provisions Northampton has 2 cases - the 8 I bought
    Canned on 2/26/20
    Cheers
     
    #8 SABERG, Mar 10, 2020
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  9. Crusader

    Crusader Pooh-Bah (1,725) Feb 4, 2011 Sweden
    Pooh-Bah

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    I've finally had the time to try this year's Fastenbier. Despite the new recipe I find that it tastes very similar to how I remember the old version tasting. The aroma is distinctly smoky, but not as smoky as the Märzen. There is also a noticable and distinct herbal hop aroma, which sets it apart from the Märzen. Flavorwise the beer has a pleasant balance of malt sweetness, smoke, hops and hop bitterness. It is a rich and flavorful beer and really well made. It's one of those beers I look forward to having each year.

    The head was very creamy I agree. I too would not describe the smoke as subtle, it is a pronounced aroma as well as flavor in the beer.
     
    #9 Crusader, Mar 13, 2020
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  10. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    @Crusader , I also recall the Fastenbier being hoppier than Schlenkerla’s other offerings. It’s part of what sets it apart.

    You’re also lucky you have bottles. We’re getting cans here, which for my palate are not as good as the bottles (or draft).
     
    #10 AlcahueteJ, Mar 14, 2020
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  11. jaxon53

    jaxon53 Pooh-Bah (2,235) Mar 1, 2006 Connecticut
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Where can I find this in CT?
     
    #11 jaxon53, Mar 14, 2020
  12. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Picked up a four pack here in Somerville today. Canned 2/26 I believe.

    Stellar.
     
    #12 AlcahueteJ, Mar 14, 2020
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  13. rhino88888888

    rhino88888888 Zealot (694) Dec 12, 2013 Massachusetts
    Trader

    Ball Sq?
     
    #13 rhino88888888, Mar 14, 2020
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  14. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Yup.
     
    #14 AlcahueteJ, Mar 15, 2020
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  15. rhino88888888

    rhino88888888 Zealot (694) Dec 12, 2013 Massachusetts
    Trader

    Thanks! Just got mine and a 4-pack of Polotmavy too!
     
    #15 rhino88888888, Mar 15, 2020
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  16. BierCellar

    BierCellar Devotee (327) Apr 5, 2012 Maine

    Hitting Maine on Tuesday at both of our stores
     
    #16 BierCellar, Mar 16, 2020
  17. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Also picked up Polotmavy. And a single of Allagash's new Golden Ale. And some Guinness. And a couple cans of Galaxy Brau. And Lawson's Sugarhouse IPA. And some of Schilling's newer offerings, their Landbier and Rüdiger.

    I wasn't even stocking up due to the virus, there was just a ton of stuff that caught my eye. :wink:
     
    #17 AlcahueteJ, Mar 16, 2020
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