Rauchbier

Recipes:
1,125
BJCP 2021:
06B
Era:
Traditional
Origin:
🇩🇪 Germany
Fermentation:
Bottom
Conditioning:
Lagered
Color:
Amber
Strength:
Normal
Taste:
Malty

Profile

Rauchbier, which translates to "smoke beer" in German, is a distinctive beer style defined primarily by its smoky character, achieved through the use of malt dried over an open flame. Historically, many beers exhibited a smoky flavor, as malt was commonly kilned over wood fires. However, with modern malting techniques this characteristic diminished except in regions like Bamberg in Franconia, Germany where Rauchbier has been kept alive as a traditional regional specialty.

Appearance-wise, Rauchbier can range from a light copper to a dark brown hue and often presents with good clarity and a substantial, creamy head. The defining characteristic that sets Rauchbier apart is its aroma: it carries an assertive yet balanced beechwood-smoked malt scent which may be accompanied by a blend of malty richness and potentially noble hops. This smokey quality continues into the flavor profile of the beer. It should harmonize with the malty sweetness and may exhibit notes of caramel or even hints of chocolate depending on the darkness of the used malts. There should be little to no hop flavor detected; any present should provide balance rather than competing with the malt. The level of smoke intensity can vary significantly among Rauchbiers, yet should always remain well integrated with the base style characteristics – it shouldn't overshadow the malt complexity but rather complement it. Balanced smokiness makes this style stand out from other traditional lagers or dark lagers that lack this unique attribute.

In relation to other styles, Rauchbier shares commonalities with Märzen/Oktoberfest Bier in terms of malt profile and fermentation characteristics but diverges distinctly due to its smoked aspect.

Specifications

Alcohol

Specification
4.8 – 6.0 %

In Database
4.4 < 5.4 < 6.5 %

Bitterness

Specification
20 – 30 IBU

In Database
16 < 25 < 34 IBU

Color

Specification
24 – 43 EBC
12 – 22 SRM

In Database
18 < 29 < 48 EBC
9 < 15 < 24 SRM

Original Extract

Specification
12.3 – 14.0 °P
1.050 – 1.057 OG

In Database
11.1 < 13.5 < 16.3 °P
1.045 < 1.055 < 1.067 OG

Final Gravity

Specification
3.1 – 4.1 °P
1.012 – 1.016 FG

In Database
1.7 < 3.4 < 5.1 °P
1.007 < 1.013 < 1.020 FG

Popularity Over Time

Most Used Yeasts

Most Used Hops

Dosage of Hops

Hop Pairings

Brewing Recipes