Schlenkerla Erle Black Lager

Schwarzbier, or black lager, dates back to at least the 16th century and was once far more common than it is today. Its popularity declined during the industrial revolution as lighter, mass-produced beers took over, but the style has seen a welcome revival over the past few decades. For their Erle Black Lager, Schlenkerla takes a unique approach by using malt smoked over alder wood rather than the traditional beech. This choice imparts a softer, more nuanced smokiness—less intense and spicy than their classic smoked beers. A generous dose of roasted malt adds depth, bringing pronounced roasted notes and the beer’s signature dark, near-black appearance.