Classic Rauchbier

This should be a very clear beer, with a large, creamy, rich, tan- to cream-colored head. Deep amber/light copper to dark brown color.

This should be a very clear beer, with a large, creamy, rich, tan- to cream-colored head. Deep amber/light copper to dark brown color.

Medium body. Medium to medium-high carbonation. Smooth lager character. Significant astringent, phenolic harshness is inappropriate.

Blend of smoke and malt, with a varying balance and intensity. The beechwood smoke character can range from subtle to fairly strong, and can seem smoky, bacon-like, woody, or rarely almost greasy. The malt character can be low to moderate, and be somewhat sweet, toasty, or malty. The malt and smoke components are often inversely proportional (i.e. when smoke increases, malt decreases, and vice versa). Hop aroma may be very low to none. Clean, lager character with no fruity esters, diacetyl or DMS . Generally follows the aroma profile, with a blend of smoke and malt in varying balance and intensity, yet always complementary. Märzen -like qualities should be noticeable, particularly a malty, toasty richness, but the beechwood smoke flavor can be low to high. The palate can be somewhat malty and sweet, yet the finish can reflect both malt and smoke. Moderate, balanced, hop bitterness, with a medium-dry to dry finish (the smoke character enhances the dryness of the finish). Noble hop flavor moderate to none. Clean lager character with no fruity esters, diacetyl or DMS . Harsh, bitter, burnt, charred, rubbery, sulfury or phenolic smoky characteristics are inappropriate.