If you're a fan of both beer and bacon, then you're in for a treat with smoked bacon beer. This innovative and mouth-watering brew combines the rich, smoky flavors of bacon with the refreshing taste of beer, creating a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. In this article, we'll explore the origins of bacon beer, its popularity, and some notable examples of this delectable beverage.
The Birth of Bacon Beer
While bacon beers may seem like a recent culinary invention, the truth is that all beers used to have a meaty taste to them. In the past, barley, the main ingredient in beer, was dried over open flames, resulting in a bacon-like smoke infusion. As brewing techniques evolved, most breweries moved away from this smoky flavor, except for Germany's Schlenkerla brewery.
Schlenkerla brewery has kept the tradition of smoked beer, also known as rauchbier, alive. This brewery uses smoked grains to create their signature bacony wonder. The amber marzen style is the most common form of rauchbier, but the smoked grains can be added to any style of beer, resulting in a unique and delicious bacon-infused brew.
Notable Smoked Bacon Beers
Several breweries have embraced the concept of smoked bacon beer and have created their own versions of this tantalizing brew. Here are some notable examples:
- Beer Geek Bacon by Mikkeller: Mikkeller's Beer Geek Bacon is a smoky version of their popular Beer Geek Breakfast stout. This beer combines creamy, mocha stout with big meaty grains, creating a rich and indulgent drinking experience.
- Ashes from the Grave by Monkey Paw Brewing: This award-winning smoked brown ale is a collaboration between Monkey Paw Brewing and AleSmith. It recently won a gold medal for Smoked Beer at the World Beer Cup, showcasing its exceptional bacon-esque flavor.
- Scarlet Fire Rauchbier by Victory Brewing: Victory Brewing's Scarlet Fire pays homage to the original rauchbiers with its huge, smoky aftertaste. This beer is a must-try for any bacon and beer lover.
- Alaskan Smoked Porter by Alaskan Brewing: Alaskan Brewing introduced rauchbier to American craft beer with their Smoked Porter. Using local alderwood to smoke the barley, this beer offers a more subtle bacon flavor with its dark, heavily roasted malts.
- Smoked Märzen by 49th State Brewing Co: This amplified tribute to German rauchbiers kicks up the alcohol content to 2 percent, creating a heady and bacon-wrapped brew that is sure to satisfy.
- Norwegian Wood by HaandBryggeriet: Norwegian brewery HaandBryggeriet recreates the smoky ales of Scandinavian farmers. With the addition of juniper branches and berries for bitterness and flavor, this beer offers a unique floral bacon character.
- Maple Bacon Coffee Porter by Funky Buddha Brewery: Funky Buddha Brewery expertly layers the flavors of roasted coffee, syrup, and smoke in this rich and velvety porter. It's like having breakfast in a bottle.
- Rauch Ür Bock by Caldera Brewing: Caldera Brewing adds an American twist to their meaty Rauch Ür Bock by blending German beechwood-smoked malts with cherrywood-smoked malt. The result is a strong amber lager with dominant bacon and campfire flavors.
- Marzen by Aecht Schlenkerla: Aecht Schlenkerla, a historic German brewery, sets the standard for smoked beers. Their Marzen, Urbock, and Weisse are among the most bacon-heavy brews available, with the Marzen being the original rauchbier.
- Smoke & Dagger by Jack's Abby Brewing: This American brewery offers Smoke & Dagger, a black lager with a subtle smoky character that complements its roasted malt flavors.
Smoked bacon beer is a unique and delicious brew that combines the flavors of bacon and beer into a truly unforgettable drinking experience. Whether you're a bacon aficionado or a beer enthusiast, this innovative beverage is sure to delight your taste buds. With breweries around the world experimenting with smoked beer, there's never been a better time to indulge in the irresistible combination of bacon and beer.
Is there a bacon beer?
Yes, there are several bacon beers available, with different breweries putting their own spin on this unique brew. From Mikkeller's Beer Geek Bacon to Alaskan Brewing's Smoked Porter, there are plenty of options to satisfy your bacon and beer cravings.
What German beer has bacon flavor?
Germany's Schlenkerla brewery is known for its rauchbier, which has a distinct bacon flavor. Their Marzen, Urbock, and Weisse are among the most popular bacon-infused beers available.
Additional Questions
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