Shadallion (518), Sacramento, California, USA Jul 23, 2001 Like so many of the finer things in life, the first bottle of this stuff is awful. The smoke is overwhelming and unpleasant, and the result is a concoction worthy of the ole’ sink sacrifice. But give it just one more shot, and you will discover a beer of astonishing complexity, with varying layers of smoke at different stages of the tasting process. The underlying bock is of the highest quality. Indescribably delicious with pork chops or smoked ham. The best beer out of Germany, and a top five brew for me. baseballguy (246), Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA Jul 24, 2001 This smoky beauty devastated me on the first sip. Even pouring it was a real treat - gorgeous color, just the right amount of head. As others have noted, it’s a real food-accompanying sort of beer - it just cries out for robust meats and fish. This Urbock deserves to be a legend. muzzlehatch (4425), Burlington, Vermont, USA Aug 24, 2001 OHMYGOD. The aroma is smoked cheddar and hickory-smoked bacon; the flavor a mix of sweet (maple, chocolate) and smoky, slightly bitter malt and wheat. With this complexity and sweetness, you’d think it would be a ’special occasion’ beer suitable only with certain foods or in front of a roaring fire -- you’d be wrong. My current favorite beer (and brewery!), justifiably occupying a spot in our collective ’top 10.’ The finish is perfect, with just a hint of lingering smokiness -- this must be what smokers of fine cigars experience! biobier99 (23), Neumarkt, Germany Dec 19, 2001 I know that small brewery, it´s from Bamberg, I´ve been there. I was surprised that youcan get this beer in the US. acrdz (4297), Boulder, Colorado, USA Aug 24, 2006 Updated: Jun 12, 2008Multiple bottles. Dark burgundy and brown colored body with a small film of a tan head. Spicy flavor, full of spicy yeast up front, and if can you believe this, there’s not a lot of smoke up front on the first sip... that changes soon. The meaty salami flavor shows up very strong, and the palate is mostly crisp and spicy, which is really nice. The smoked meat and smoked cheese flavors are divine... reminds me of elk camp, and really this is a beer I have to bring to elk camp again this year. The nose is more of the same meaty salami scent, but it’s crazy delicious. Up front there’s a ton of huge biscuity malts, then it turns to a smooth long-lasting smoked ham and salami flavor into the finish. Great stuff, one of the best beers I’ve had.
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