I was fortunate enough to spend one year brewing and malting in the town of Bamberg Germany studying closely guarded traditional brewing techniques. Before the revolutions of malting technologies during the industrial era, malt was dried over open fires. Direct contact with the smoke from the drying fires imparted a smokiness in all malts, and therefore in all beers. Drinking a pint of Altenburg Lager translocates oneself to the northern Bavarian town of Bamberg, the origin of smoked beer. Shy of a passport, plane ticket and layover in Amsterdam, this beer is as close as a Portlander can get to Bamberg style lagers. Using pilsener, munich and beechwood smoked malts produced in the town of Bamberg, and brewed by a Bamberg trained brewer, one sip of this carefully crafted lager will teleport you and your taste buds to the bier gardens of one of the oldest beer traditions in Germany. No doubt Beethoven, while composing his glorious ninth symphony, was drinking smoked bier.

Come join me at Laurelwood Pizza Co on Wednesday April 21st from 5:00 – 6:00 pm for the official bier release!

Prost,
Hans