Historic Rauchbier (Smoke Beer) Brewery in Gorgeous Bamberg, Germany

I visited Bamberg in December.  It might be one of my favorite towns in Germany.  It is like a fairy tale.  Bamberg seems to be built on top of the Regnitz River.  I mean, right in it.  The Old Town Hall is built on a small island.  Beautiful old buildings are flush against the river's current.  It is impressive.  I would have liked to have spent more time in Bamberg.  

The city is one of the few that was not bombed during World War II.  Some of the oldest buildings in Germany are in Bamberg.  If you are looking for fine specimens of architecture, Bamberg is an EXCELLENT place to visit.  

Beauty and history is not Bamberg's only claim to fame.  My brother took me to Bamberg for the specific purpose of drinking rauchbier, which means "smoke beer".  We waited through a line that started outside the front door of Smoked Beer Brewery Schlenkerla (http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html) and went through the establishment to an inner courtyard.

I was not really sure what to expect before my first sip of rauchbier.  I anticipated a biting flavor that sometimes comes with a chemical process.  The malt is smoked, not the beer (thank you Jason for that clarification).  To my delight, the rauchbier was smooth, flavorful, yet not overpowering.  I like it!

Waiting in line for the delectably famous smoked beer of Bamberg, Germany.  

Bamberg, Germany is a treat for the senses.  From the gorgeous architecture, to the amazing layout of the town, to the delectable savories.  Because we were there in December we walked around the town to a Christmas Market where we filled our bellies with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.  Oh, I love Germany.  And Bamberg was a highlight of my time there.