Schlenkerla ("Heller-Bräu" Trum)
Schlenkerla ("Heller-Bräu" Trum) is a historic rauchbier brewery in the Altstadt of Bamberg, Bavaria, at the foot of the cathedral. The Trum family runs the house in its sixth generation. It is known for Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, which is still tapped from oak barrels in its own taproom.
- LocationBamberg, Bayern
- Founded1405
- TypeMicrobrewery
- Untappd 3.57 · 483k ratings
- At Hoptimaal2 in stock · 6 in total
In stock now 2
Previously at Hoptimaal 4
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A brewery below the cathedral of Bamberg
Schlenkerla sits in the middle of the Altstadt of Bamberg, at the foot of the tall cathedral. The building is first mentioned in a charter in 1405, then under the name Haus zum blauen Löwen. Today the Trum family runs the house in its sixth generation.
According to Tally's Beer Universe, the brewery is still at Dominikanerstraße 6 and has its own maltings for smoked malt. The house also includes a taproom with a kitchen, which was recognised again by Slow Food in 2026. Bamberg itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rauchbier at the heart of the house
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier is the beer speciality of Bamberg, and Schlenkerla is its source. According to tradition, the rauchbier is still tapped from oak barrels in the house. The beer mat says the first sip may taste strange, but that you soon notice your thirst doesn't go away.
The flagship is the 5.1% Märzen, brewed with one hundred percent smoked malt from its own maltings. The Helles is the exception: it goes into the kettle without smoked malt, but in the same copper kettles and with the same yeast as the smoked beers, which gives a subtle hint of smoke. The Urbock, a smoked strong lager, is also part of the seasonal range.
Schlenkerla at Hoptimaal
We stock Schlenkerla in 50 cl packs, with strengths from 2.9 to 5.7%. The range changes. Highly rated on Untappd are, among others, Aecht Schlenkerla Erle – Schwarzbier, Aecht Schlenkerla Weichsel – Rotbier, Aecht Schlenkerla á la Grodziskie, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier – Kräusen, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier – Weizen and Bamberger Stiftsgartenbier.
Serve smoked beers cool, but not ice cold, so the smoke and malt come into their own. A large glass lets the aroma develop better. Take the stronger beers slowly and store them cool and dark.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Schlenkerla come from?
Schlenkerla comes from Bamberg in Bavaria, Germany. The brewery is in the Altstadt, at the foot of the cathedral, and is first mentioned in a charter in 1405.
What kind of beer does Schlenkerla make?
Schlenkerla mainly makes rauchbier, smoked beer from Bamberg. The flagship is the Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen at 5.1%. There is also, among others, a Helles without smoked malt and a seasonal Urbock.
Why does rauchbier taste of smoke?
The smoke flavour comes from smoked malt. Schlenkerla's Märzen is brewed with one hundred percent smoked malt from its own maltings. Even the Helles has a subtle hint of smoke, because it is brewed in the same kettles and with the same yeast.
