Great American Smokeout

So, in honor of the Great American Smokeout, I’ve decided to provide smokers with a beer alternative! I know, it’s not exactly what the American Cancer Society had in mind, but it’s better than smoking.

If you’re dying to get a little smoke without the cigarettes, you could always try a traditional German Rauchbier (literally, Smoke Beer). Back in the day, when the malt was dried over open fires, the smoke would impart a distinctive smoky flavor to the beer, much like you might find in a scotch. Now the majority of malts are dried without smoke, but in the area of Franconia surrounding Bamberg Rauchbier is alive and well.

And the beer? Well, the beer is good, but it takes a little getting used to. Think of the taste of a good piece of smoked ham or bacon and superimpose that on a beer and you may get the idea. Then again, you may not, so the best bet is to try one and see what you think.

If you want the full Rauchbier experience, you have to travel to the lovely old city of Bamberg, where the Schlenkerla tap room still serves Rauchbier from wooden casks, as it should be.

Image from www.food-from-bavaria.de