aecht schlenkerla fastenbier jahrgang 2018

In recent decades, brewers have come to realize that beer – much like wine – can benefit from deliberate aging. Depending on the style and strength, these periods range from a few weeks to many years. Aging takes place in various ways: in the bottle, where oxygen and yeast slowly work their magic; in wooden barrels, which impart additional aromas from previous uses; or deep underground in consistently cool rock cellars. Over time, bitterness and flavor change, edges soften, aromas meld, new flavor dimensions emerge, and the complexity noticeably increases.

The Aecht Schlenkerla Lenten beer of the 2018 vintage is an impressive example of this practice. After bottling, the unfiltered beer matured for three years in the rock cellars beneath Bamberg's Stephansberg hill before being released. Today, a remarkable seven years after its brewing year, this Lenten beer presents itself as deeply mature and exceptionally complex.

The brew pours into the glass the color of freshly brewed coffee, with a gentle haze and a fine-pored, ivory-colored head. The aroma combines smoke, wood, and pumpernickel with caramel, bacon, and a hint of vanilla. The first sip is wonderfully smooth and full-bodied: cocoa, espresso, salty umami notes, toffee, and mild smokiness blend harmoniously. Soft malt, subtle sweetness, and a long, hoppy bitterness complete this complex and profoundly satisfying experience.