This beer pours a deep, dark brown with a thin beige head. The peat and smoky aroma with sweet with hints of vanilla and molasses is immediately noticeable. The sensory treat continues in the flavor with peat, brown sugar, and molasses smokiness. The smoke flavor lingers just a short time, along with a bitter, dark beer finish.
I've been enjoying the occasional drink of Lagavulin Distiller's Edition (2013) Scotch recently. This single malt whisky is known for it's rich peat flavors. I think this was confusing my senses as I drank the Schlenkerla Urbock. I deeply took in the aroma as the glass of beer approached my lips, and without fail, my mind expected the warmth of a whisky. I was holding a cool glass of dark beer and yet my mouth kept expecting a different drink. It was quite the sensory misdirection.
There was no accompanying peat fire, but it was still an enjoyable drink, even if my senses were a bit confused.
Woohoo! I had the Schlenkerla for the first time in Nuremburg at the recommendation of a local. I’m glad I did.
ReplyDeleteI’ll keep the scotch tip in mind too, thanks.
This bottle was a gift, but I'm going to have to pick up more.
DeleteI know the owner of Braueri Trum who is not only the brewer but the maltster. I've toured his brewery in Bamberg and visited their tap house many, many times over the last 20 + years. I love all of the Schlenkerla beers. Ever their lagerbier which does not use smoked malt but picks up the subtle smoke from the house character is delicious. I love them all fresh but from the bottle is good too. I might just have to enjoy one tonight. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile since I enjoyed one of these. Will be picking up more.
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