Otaru Bamberger Spezial : Background
Otaru Bamberger Spezial is a 5.8% rauch beer from Otaru Beer, based in Otaru, Hokkaido. It’s part of their bottled and draught lineup, though it’s only available from February onwards, so putting it into our winter seasonal category for the moment. This beer is made by smoking malt with beechwood with that malt being imported from the Bamberg area of Germany.
At A Glance
- ABV : 5.8%
- Style : Rauch
- Hops : –
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : –
Sale Information
- Availability : Winter seasonal
- On Sale : From February 2012
- Size : 330 ml
Otaru Bamberger Spezial : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Otaru Bamberger Spezial poured out a slightly muddy orangey brown colour with just a meagre amount of white bubbles on top. Not enough really to call it a head but it was there. Compared to the draught version I had back in Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1, this version really did lack the life of that.
The aroma was also more muted than that draught version. While it did have a smokiness to it, it wasn’t as potent as that same draught version I had. The bacon and ham-like aroma to the beer was present though – and for some people probably thankfully – it wasn’t as punchy. There was a touch of herbal hop aroma to Otaru Bamberger Spezial but it was always going to be about the smoke.
As in the nose, the body did have a defined smokiness to it all, but once again, it seemed rather muted in comparison to the draught version I had earlier. It’s still a meaty beer for some, and rauchs are divisive amongst beer drinkers. The meatiness lingered on the palate for a fair amount of time, and also had some noble hop bitterness just lying underneath.
Otaru Bamberger Spezial : The Bottom Line
Not as potent as other rauch beers we’ve had so if you’re looking to get into the style, then Otaru Bamberger Spezial would be a nice introduction.
Otaru Bamberger Spezial : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
