Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lagerbier, Bamberg (4.3% ABV)
None dare call this Rauch Lite. It’s a pale-gold Helles—not available in the States—made with the same malt that goes into the brewery’s rauchs. The balance of aromas shifts from hops to hardwood as the head subsides. And that’s just a sample of the soft, but insistent smoke that follows, riding soft-shod over the dry malt underneath. Not as chewy as its far bigger siblings, but there is a bite. (RG)
Weltenburger Asam-Bock, Weltenburg (6.9% ABV)
Here is a very good reason to go on brewery tours: a chance to sample this world-class brew right out of the tank at the monastery where it is made. All of the deep, lovely goodness of the bottled version is present—from deep cocoa and coffee notes to accents of dried fruit, especially raisins—but there is an extra something here. This beer is alive. If the monks here need recruits, they should offer newbies all they can drink. (RG)
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock (6.7% ABV)
Only half of the 12 beers this small Bavarian brewery produces are exported, including this great beer, perhaps the flagship of the line. With a lagering time of 16 weeks, Celebrator Doppelbock is a very well-attenuated brew. It’s known as a Dunkles Bayrisches Starkbier in Germany. The beer is a deep reddish brown in color, with a creamy mocha head and a sweet malty, toasted-grain nose. Very complex flavors of malt, toffee, caramel, and cocoa with a balancing hop presence. Medium-full bodied, lighter than many doppelbocks, it finishes very elegantly with a gentle lingering sweetness. (AM)
Ayinger Winter-Bock (6.7% ABV)
Deep mahogany brown, big foamy tan head with medium-size bubbles. Very clean, malty sweet nose with caramel notes and a slight fruitiness. Big toasty malt flavor, full-bodied with some aromatic hop character. Well-balanced and rich, finishing with a tangy, lingering sweetness. Complex and delicious. (AM)
Mahr’s Bräu Winter Bock (on draught, 7% ABV)
A Helles Bock poured fresh for us by its Bamberg brewer, this beer was deep golden in color, with a very fresh, malty aroma, It was bold and exciting on the palate, with a definite hoppiness and a big, semi-sweet, warming finish. Excellent. (AM)
