Schlenkerla Brewpub, Bamberg

The Schlenkerla Brewpub holds a revered status for its historic significance and renowned smoked beer, known as Eight Schlenkerla Smoked Beers. The brewery is highly regarded for its traditional smoked varieties, including urbock, märzen, weizen, oak doppelbock, lentbeer (Fastenbier), a Helles Marzen blend (Krausen), Helles (filtered and unfiltered), and Hansla (low alcohol).

One of the notable features of the brewery is the aging of certain vintages of their Doppelbock and Urbock in rock cellars, imparting unique flavors and characteristics to the beers. Additionally, Schlenkerla offers a Rauchbier-based schnapps in their pub and restaurant, providing patrons with an opportunity to explore the smoky flavors in a different form.

The brewpub's restaurant has gained international recognition and has been ranked among the top beer destinations in the world by All About Beer magazine. It has a rich history, with its roots dating back to 1405 when it operated as a pub called Zum Blauen Löwen (At the Blue Lion). The pub's interior features a remarkable Gothic ceiling that adds to its charm and character.

Situated in the old town section of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Schlenkerla Brewpub is nestled in the picturesque region of Franconia in northern Bavaria. The area's cultural significance, coupled with the brewery's long-standing tradition, makes it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Every year, on July 23rd, the brewery celebrates "Smokebeer Preservation Day." This day commemorates the patenting of the first smoke-free malt drying machine in 1635. With the advent of smoke-free malting techniques, the production of Rauchbier became increasingly rare. However, a small number of Bamberg breweries, including Schlenkerla, persevered with the traditional fire kiln malt drying method, preserving the distinct style of Rauchbier. Today, Rauchbier remains a unique and sought-after beer style, recognized at events like the Great American Beer Festival, where it has its own Smoke Beer category with six subcategories.