Brauerei Heller

I have a lot of fond memories of the time I spent in Bamberg. Most of them involve Bamberger beer in some way. Bamberg's biggest contribution to the world of beer is arguably the Rauchbier style. While Bamberg may not have invented the style, it's brewers perfected it. Again, perfected is arguable since there are a good number of people who don't like Rauchbier or smoke beer in general. I happen to love it. That rich roasted malt, oily charred grain and bacon-like savory flavor is unique and reminds me of all the good time I had in Bamberg. Schlenkerla is the biggest exporter of Bamberg Rauchbier and makes several variations of the style. Actually, all of their beer is a variation of Rauchbier... which is to say all of their beer just has smoked malt in it. I have yet to have a bad Schlenkerla beer and they sell enough of it that there must be something to it...

My memories of Bamberg are too fond to allow me to write an unbiased review of one of the city's iconic beers. If the following paragraphs come off as too glowing or whimsically reminiscent, it's because Bamberg beers have cast a spell on me and I'll forever be smitten with them. I will say that, while Schlenkerla is probably the most well known Bamberg brewery outside of Germany, it's probably my least favorite. The tour groups that come through Schlenkerla each hour on their tour of the Altstadt really detract from the authenticity of the experience. That being said, Schlenkerla makes some great beers I'm always excited to drink.