S:t Eriks Rauchbier

St. Erik's Brewery and whiskey distillery Mackmyra has teamed up where the brewer Jessica Heidrich makes beer at Mackmyra own smoked malt. S: t Eriks Rauchbier is a mikrobryggd dark lager launched in Systembolaget's fixed range 2 December.

Mackmyra is Sweden's foremost and first whiskey producer and since its inception in 1999 created a dozen different distillates. In collaboration with St. Erik's Brewery supplies they now master brewer Jessica Heidrich with its own malt smoked with juniper and Swedish peat. The result is St. Erik Rauch Bier - a Swedish version of the classic German ölstilen mainly brewed in Bamberg in Bavaria.

The collaboration began with Jessica Heidrich heard that Mackmyra smoked own malt and contacted Mackmyra to get a sample to make a smaller sample brew. The result was so good that the project got the green light on the spot. S: t Eriks Rauchbier will be the second rökölet by Jessica Heidrich after her popular St. Erik Rauköl.

- I am often asked about St. Erik Rauköl ever come back, says Jessica Heidrich. It was a seasonal beer with Gotland smoked malt which sold out immediately when it was released. Thanks Mackmyra wonderful malt, I have been able to create a new Swedish smoked beer in a new and somewhat darker vintage which will also be produced year round.

Smell and taste
St. Erik Rauch Bier has a great smoky aroma with notes of juniper wood and peat. The taste is a powerful, yet elegantly balanced smokiness. The beer is dark and full-bodied dry roasted tones and flavors of bitter chocolate.

Serving tip
Rauchbier fits the classic German cuisine or heavier dishes like pulled pork and slow cooked and cured meats and cheeses.