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Smoked beer is a special beer with a distinct smoky flavour profile from malt smoked over open flames. This process of making smoked beer has roots going back to when malt drying naturally imparted a smoky flavour to the beer. If you like bold flavours, smoked beer is a real treat, capturing the essence of fire-kissed malt in every sip. Flavours can range from subtle campfire hints to strong barbecue notes depending on brewing techniques and the wood used for smoking.
Breweries have developed this concept over the years and created different styles of smoked beer to suit all tastes. Whether new to smoked beer or a seasoned veteran, there is something for everyone.
From traditional German Rauchbier to modern smoked porters and stouts, each style is a different expression of smoke. Tasting smoked beers is like a flavour journey through different brewing techniques and traditions, and it will give you a real appreciation for the art and complexity of this beer. Here is a closer look at smoked beer and five styles to try.
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What Is Smoked Beer?
Smoked beer, known as Rauchbier in Germany, is a style of beer in which the malt is smoked over open flames. Its origins go back to medieval Europe, especially Bamberg, Germany, where they used to dry malt over open fires.
Before modern kilning methods were developed, most beers had some smokiness because wood or peat fires were used to dry malt. As brewing techniques evolved, smoke flavours became less common, but the Bamberg breweries kept the tradition alive.
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Today, smoked beer is back, and brewers around the world are experimenting with different smoking techniques and woods to bring out unique flavours in different beer styles. This history and craftsmanship make smoked beer a nostalgic and tasty choice, both traditional and modern.
5 Types Of Smoked Beer To Try
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen is the most famous smoked beer from Bamberg, Germany. It has a smoky aroma and strong, malty flavours. It is brewed with beechwood-smoked malt, a technique that has been passed down through generations to be used to brew this beer.
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It is a tribute to Bamberg’s smoked beer heritage and the gold standard for Rauchbier. It is available in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, for around ₹800-₹1,000 for a 500ml bottle.
Alaskan Smoked Porter
Alaskan Smoked Porter from Alaskan Brewing Co. is a craft beer icon from the US, and it is made with alder-smoked malt inspired by the traditional Alaskan fish smoking. It has deep, smoky layers with chocolate and coffee notes. It has won multiple awards for being the best-smoked beer, and it can be found in speciality stores in Bangalore and Delhi, around ₹2,000 for a 650ml bottle.
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Stone Smoked Porter
Stone Brewing’s Smoked Porter from California is a smooth smoked beer with chocolate and coffee notes. With a more subtle smoke profile compared to traditional Rauchbiers, this porter appeals to those new to smoked beers. Originally brewed in the 1990s, it is credited with modernising smoked beer styles. It is not widely available in India, but it is sometimes available at premium stores in Mumbai and Delhi, and a 650ml bottle costs around ₹1,500-₹1,800.
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Rogue Smoke Ale
Rogue Ales’ Smoke Ale is a lighter smoked beer brewed with cherrywood-smoked malt that gives a sweet, woody flavour. Originating from Oregon, this ale showcases Rogue’s commitment to experimental brews. With milder smoke compared to traditional German Rauchbiers, it is an excellent choice for those exploring smoked beers for the first time. Available occasionally in select Bangalore and Pune stores, the price for a 355ml bottle is around ₹1,200.
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Schlenkerla Oak Smoke
Schlenkerla Oak Smoke is another one from the same Bamberg-based Schlenkerla brewery, but instead of beechwood, they use oak wood for slightly different, richer smoke. This is a classic Märzen but with a more subtle, balanced smoke that will appeal to both enthusiasts and newcomers. The complexity of the oak-smoked malt makes this beer stand out; each batch is aged for a refined taste. Found in premium stores in Delhi and Mumbai, priced around ₹1,500-₹1,800 for a 500ml bottle.
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Smoked beer is an experience beyond the ordinary, where traditional brewing meets bold, smoky flavours. Each sip from Germany’s Rauchbiers to American smoked porters reveals a new layer of taste and aroma. Whether you are a craft beer enthusiast or want to try something new, smoked beer’s intriguing profile is a journey that connects history, culture, and craft. Aged to perfection, smoked beer is a tribute to tradition and a modern indulgence that beer lovers in India can now enjoy in select cities.
