Goldfinger Rauchbier

Rauchbiers are such an interesting style of beer because they provide pleasant phenolic aromas and savory flavors, yet still manage to be refreshing. Pair this beer with sausages or smoked meats and it is a match made in heaven. Some smoked beer fans love carbon in a glass, but our take on this beer was to use the sweet and fruity smoke aroma from the beechwood to act as one element of a broader and complex beer. To dial in such a bold flavor so that its dominance lasts only in the beginning, after which it gives way to deep malt flavors derived from a decoction mash, is no easy feat. Particularly since rauchmalz made up a significant majority of the total malt bill. Providing balance while still remaining within the traditional Bamberger Rauchbier parameters was the goal, so that even non smoked beer fans can appreciate an under appreciated category of beer.