The General has taken a taste of Bamberg for his newest review.

Rauchbier is almost certainly one of the most peculiar beers, period. It’s like drinking a slab of bacon, which isn’t too bad if you love bacon.

Like the Smoke House Porter just reviewed, the wet barley malt is dried in an open kettle, and the result is a very, very smoky flavor. Bamberg is a unique city in Germany because of this brewing tradition. Though not popular, it is a beer to try if you are a beer nut; simply to say that you did it. More after the jump.

In tasting it, I am certain you will find it smoky (duh), very close to the odor of hickory-smoked bacon, with a sanguine undercurrent of maple. Its flavor is surprisingly mild–it’s the odor which will repel only the bravest of beer drinkers. It is so powerful that my wife even announced her ability to smell this from across the room, with an audible “bleah!” as she pinched her nose. Yes, my friends, this is not a beer for everyone, which is why it is made in very small batches. Try is with something smoky, or heavy, like meat, cheese, or sausage. Enjoy!