Day 61, 3.2.11., Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier - Märzen

Rauchbier is a new style to me.  It breaks down into Rauch (German for 'smoke') and bier ('beer').  So, as you may be able to guess, this märzen is smoky.  Märzen or märzenbier is a German style meaning March beer.  The term refers to a beer brewed between September 29th and April 23, and traditionally lagered (aged) in caves or stone cellars until the following October.  Generally, märzen is a brown , malty, full bodied beer.  To aid in preserving the beer it is generally is quite hoppy or has a high original gravity.
Aecht Schlenkerla fits these standards to a t.  It's big and brown and has a nose like a campfire.  On the palate, there are some nice bitter notes, and the smokiness is omnipresent.
Although intense, the smoke is pretty well integrated. There's a touch of sweetness that balances the BIG smoke character.  Still this beer is absolutely all about smoke.
I've only ever had a couple of smoked beers before, but this one certainly features the best use of smoked malt that I've tasted.  An interesting and unique beer.  6 out of 10.