Aecht Schlenkerla Weichsel - Rotbier (i.e. red lager)

Ale Jail has plenty of Lent in cans, sitting warm, they have a few 4 packs cans of the new ROT also.
@LesDewitt4beer

 

Wooot! Thanks man!

 

it maybe gone fast I was there 2 hours ago

 

Funny, I had never heard of a rotbier before this thread, then at my store I find Tucher Rotbier, which I liked. I would love to get the aecht shlenkerla one, as I’ve never had anything bad from them.

 

Interesting I have never seen Tucher’s around, or any German ones other than this new Schlenkerla one. I’ll have to keep an eye out next time I’m shopping, thanks for the tip.

I’ve only had a few other rotbiers prior to this schlenkerla one, all domestic, so it’ll be pretty neat if I come across this Tucher one you did.

 

Never heard of the style until Notch brewed one last year (and again this year). Notch seems to be the first to do a lot of things in the US craft beer world...

I also saw the Tucher and bought it. Tasted similar to what Notch did, so I hope that gives me an idea of what the style tastes like before trying Schlenkerla's.

If anyone on this thread gets the chance, a side by side with Tucher's and Schlenkerla's would be cool. I still have yet to see Schlenkerla's in my area.

 

I think the Rauchmalz in the Schlenkerla would divide a comparison.

 

Lesser Known had a cask of this for their anniversary party a couple weekends ago and I thought it was fantastic. I’m a fan of smoked beers in general and this one may be my favorite.

 

Oh definitely. But I'd be curious how the smoke integrates with the base beer. Is it subtle, is it moderate and compliments it? Does it completely overpower it?

 

Sure, but don't we need to get a solid handle on that base beer to begin with?

Apologies to assumptive video beer "experts," but I'd like to see some solid facts on the history of this beer style. @patto1ro

But yeah, none of that effects the "Overall" points we might give in a review -- if it's delicious and drinkable, more power to it!

 

In cans?

 

Apparently Roaring Table makes a Rotbier which is on tap right now:

https://roaringtable.com/

From a discussion/review of this beer via Craft Beer & Brewing (with emphasis in bold by me):

“88/100

Aroma: 11

Appearance: 3

Flavor: 17

Mouthfeel: 4

Roaring Table Brewing Thither They Return

What the brewers say

“This Franconian-style rotbier is a beautiful thing.”

What our panel thought

“Roast and earthy malt notes combine with hints of smoke in the nose. The smoke character becomes a bit more meaty in flavor but balances well with the earthy and pine hop notes. It finishes clean with a sense of heft.”

What our editors thought

“Beautiful deep garnet color. Low pitched malt nose with stewed fruits and a floral top note. Unusual in the sip with an upfront fruit-malt flavor that quickly drops. Finishes incredibly light and minimal for a beer with so much upfront flavor.”

https://beerandbrewing.com/review/roaring-table-brewing-thither-they-return-1682716769/

I found it intriguing that the tasting panel made mention of “smoke” as regards this beer.

Cheers!

@FBarber

 

For sure. I'm assuming Notch brewed it traditionally, since that's what they do and are known for. And I'm also assuming Tucher made a traditional version since other beers I've had from them have been traditional.

I'd be curious what other German style brewer's think.

Yup.

 

Nice one Jack, I see what you did there, except -- my review from April... of 2022 -- following what I replied to Alcaheute above.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/50290/596013/?ba=steveh#review

And yeah, it's pretty tasty on tap too, but wasn't much different from freshly canned.

 

Traditional to what, though? It's first incarnations whose recipes seem to be lost to time? Or the most recent revival of the style?

As has been said, the style is somewhat of an enigma.

 

Yeah. Come to think of it, I’ve only ever seen Tucher stuff in cans in my area. I am just seeing their stuff in RI, but I’ve been seeing them in stores in southern MA for a while. Always cans (perhaps there are bottled version of the same beers elsewhere in the store).

 

I can ask! At least in the case of Notch, don't think I'll be talking to the fine brewers at Tucher anytime soon.

Typically if it's a new style Chris will go to the source and learn more about it before attempting it.

Looks like their Lead Brewer did the research for this one, from their IG account last year:

"This rarely found beer originating from Nuremberg in Franconia was born from a research project into the style by one of our Lead Brewers, July Peña. The red color comes from the unique Franconian malt, as well as an extended decoction and wort boiling. Double decocted, naturally carbonated, and conditioned in horizontal lagering tanks for two months".

 

Details man! Details!