Schlenkerla: A Taste of History and Smokey Tradition

Nestled beneath the majestic cathedral in Bamberg’s old town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Schlenkerla Brewery has been serving its iconic smoked beer since it was first mentioned in 1405. Known as “Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier,” this classic Franconian specialty boasts a unique flavor profile achieved through a time-honored brewing process that combines tradition with craftsmanship.

The name “Schlenkerla” stems from the Franconian dialect, where “Schlenkern” describes an unsteady walk. Legend has it that a former brewer’s distinct gait earned him the nickname “Schlenkerla,” which soon became synonymous with the tavern itself. Today, the Trum family, in its sixth generation, continues to carry forward this rich legacy of brewing excellence.

Unlike typical Bavarian beers, Schlenkerla Rauchbier is brewed with smoked malt—a distinctive malt crafted by drying germinated barley over a slow-burning beechwood fire. This centuries-old method imparts a robust smokiness to the malt, creating the distinctive taste and dark colour that defines Schlenkerla’s Märzen-style beer, with a balanced 5.1% alcohol content and an original gravity of 13.5%.

Schlenkerla’s unique beer and atmosphere have garnered national and international acclaim. With each pint, visitors taste centuries of brewing expertise that has been passed down through generations, a tradition as rich and warm as the brewery itself.