Hummel Raucherla
The smoked beers from Upper Franconia are something truly special! And above all, incredibly delicious. If you're open to them, that is. Okay, a Schlenkerla is only for the truly hardcore, but there are also more relaxed options. Perhaps the 5.4% "Hummel-Bräu Räucherla" is one of them. Poured, it looks fantastic: dark red, with a rich and firm head, and the aroma immediately flexes its smoky malt muscles. These delicious flavors also come through on the palate, and not nearly as intensely as the aroma might suggest. The first third is sweet, malty, smooth, and very drinkable. With each subsequent sip, the smoky note recedes somewhat into the background, and the maltiness takes over. The carbonation becomes noticeable, making this bottom-fermented beer pleasantly lively, and by the middle, it's nicely spicy. And, most importantly, dry. Along with a hint of chocolate, the beer offers grain notes, and the spicy aromas are quite appealing. It's incredibly drinkable! That delicious sweetness at the beginning is particularly noteworthy and provides a clear contrast to the long, spicy finish. A truly fantastic smoked beer. Easy-drinking, rustic, and typically Franconian!
The smoked beers from Upper Franconia are something truly special! And above all, incredibly delicious. If you're open to them, that is. Okay, a Schlenkerla is only for the truly hardcore, but there are also more relaxed options. Perhaps the 5.4% "Hummel-Bräu Räucherla" is one of them. Poured, it looks fantastic: dark red, with a rich and firm head, and the aroma immediately flexes its smoky malt muscles. These delicious flavors also come through on the palate, and not nearly as intensely as the aroma might suggest. The first third is sweet, malty, smooth, and very drinkable. With each subsequent sip, the smoky note recedes somewhat into the background, and the maltiness takes over. The carbonation becomes noticeable, making this bottom-fermented beer pleasantly lively, and by the middle, it's nicely spicy. And, most importantly, dry. Along with a hint of chocolate, the beer offers grain notes, and the spicy aromas are quite appealing. It's incredibly drinkable! That delicious sweetness at the beginning is particularly noteworthy and provides a clear contrast to the long, spicy finish. A truly fantastic smoked beer. Easy-drinking, rustic, and typically Franconian!
