Schlenkerla Sour Cherry Red Beer

Weichsel Rotbier — Cherry Wood Smoked Rotbier — Schlenkerla

Weichsel Rotbier is one of the latest creations from Schlenkerla, the best-known brewery in Bamberg (Bavaria, Germany), which has recently experimented with new recipes and, surprising enthusiasts worldwide, has made them available outside the brewery. Weichsel features a much more restrained and elegant smoke character compared to the brewery’s usual standards: in this case, it comes from malt smoked over cherry wood — not the typical beech used in classic Rauchbier, but cherry wood, which brings sweeter and fruitier notes.

Schlenkerla off the beaten path

As is typical in Franconia, Weichsel hardly reflects the style declared on the label — the Rotbiers of Nuremberg are very different — and that’s fine: it’s still a unique drink, made very enjoyable by a moderate alcohol content. Schlenkerla experimenting, but without losing its smoky identity.

Technical sheet

• Style: Smoked Rotbier (Franconian interpretation)
• Smoke character: Malt smoked over cherry wood (more delicate than beech)
• Profile: Elegant and restrained smoke, cherry notes, moderate alcohol content
• Fermentation: Bottom fermentation
• Serving temperature: 8–10°C
• Recommended glass: Bavarian mug or tulip glass
• Producer: Schlenkerla (Brauerei Heller-Trum) — Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany

Sensory profile

On the nose, it is more delicate than Schlenkerla’s classic Rauchbiers: the cherry wood brings an elegant smoke with fruity and sweet notes that intertwine with the red malt. On the palate, it is pleasant and easy to drink, with the moderate alcohol content making it accessible even to those not used to smoked beers. The finish is clean, with a lingering memory of sweet smoke.

Why choose Weichsel Rotbier

• Cherry wood instead of beech — the choice that changes everything: a sweeter and fruitier smoke, less intense than classic Rauchbiers
• Schlenkerla experimenting — one of the latest creations from Bamberg’s most famous brewery: recently available outside the brewery only
• Restrained and elegant smoke — the perfect gateway to the Schlenkerla world for those not yet ready for the classic Märzen
• Moderate alcohol content — easy to drink and approachable: a Rauchbier that doesn’t intimidate

Recommended pairings

Light smoked meats, smoked salmon, semi-aged cheeses, Bavarian cuisine. The delicate cherry wood smoke pairs perfectly with mild and not too intense flavors.

Buy Weichsel Rotbier online at Maltese.beer — fast shipping within 24-48h across Italy. Cherry wood smoked Rotbier: Schlenkerla experiments, Bamberg approves. Discover all Schlenkerla beers →