Schwarzbier (black lager) has been around since at least the 16th century and used to be more widespread than it is today. In the industrial revolution of the 19th century, it was almost displaced by mass-produced lighter beers. Only a few breweries preserved the beer style, and for about 30 years now it has been experiencing a renaissance.

For this Erle black lager Schlenkerla use a very special smoked malt. This is not dried over beech wood fire, as is usually the case, but over fire made of alder wood. The alder smoked malt brings a fine, complex smoky flavor to the beer less strong and spicy than the classic smoked beer. A high roasted malt content provides a pronounced roasted aroma and the dark, almost black color.