 FlacoAlto (2142), Tucson, Arizona, USA
Apr 14, 2007
Sampled March 2007
I am definitely looking forward to this brew, unfortunately this beer was not available while I was actually in Bamberg. This beer pours with a brilliantly clear body, but you can hardly tell that as it is so dark. When held up directly to a bright light it shows beautiful dark ruby hues, but otherwise sits in the glass a very dark, deeply burnt amber color. It is topped by a frothy, initially two-finger thick, dirty tan, to pale brownish head. As I pour this brew it is immediately quite apparent that this is a smoked brew. Beech smoke, yet with out the sharp acrid notes of actual smoke, is the dominant characteristic of this beers nose. Really reminds me of the smell my jacket takes on after a cold evening spent round a campfire.
Thick and chewy & I mean chewy; it coats the mouth quite well and the flavors really linger on the palate. This beer is actually chewy enough that I perceive it as being much warm than the actual 50ºF (10ºC) serving temperature would suggest. Of course the smoke flavors are dominant, but there is some much malt packed into this brew that it is quite noticeable as well. Sweet notes of caramelized grain, toffee, lightly charred bread crust (though not the astringent burnt character but the smoke character one get in that char) and other malt flavors play a significant, yet clearly supporting role here. This at times makes me think that I am eating a nice, hearty, chewy, crusty bread that has been cooked over a smoky fire. While fairly thick, it still goes down so smooth, with a perfectly creamy mouthfeel to it.
The alcohol is only at 6.5%, yet this beer drinks much bigger than that; it has really captured what in my mind is a chewy Bock like character. I have been semi-regularly brewing a Rauch Märzen because of sampling this and Spezial’s beer fresh at the source. I have been toying with brewing a Bock version for the last couple years and this has sealed the deal; I definitely need to brew a couple kegs of this up. This is just so damn tasty and wonderful.
csbosox (978), Prairie Village, Kansas, USA
Oct 8, 2008 Wonderful, complex smoke nose. The smoke is vibrant, gentle, and a touch hammy. There is also a bit of malt hiding in the background. The flavor is a wonderful mix of smouldering hardwood, malty sweetness, oak, and light caramel. Pretty tasty. I wanting a good rauchbier tonight and this did nicely.
ruggedman (429), Portland, Maine, USA
Oct 5, 2008 On tap at novare res in portland. Holy smokey! This stuff is very good, and would have been better had I enjoyed it in the fall rather than the summer on a hot day :)
Peaty and smokey flavors with nice dry finish.
michael-pollack (1488), King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 5, 2008 500ml Bottle: Aroma of smoke, smoked meats, beechwood, and wood. Poured brown with a lot of ruby in color and a tiny beige head that disappeared immediately. Clear. Not sparkling. Some small particles. Flavor is lightly bitter and heavily smokey. Tastes of smoke, beechwood, and wood. It is liquid smoked beechwood. Medium body. Chalky texture. Average carbonation. Very smoked, dry finish.
Beerlando (1354), Orlando, Florida, USA
Oct 1, 2008 Pours a dark but translucent crimson-violet color. A dense, frothy, khaki colored head settles slowly to a wispy film, splotchy rings of lace circling the glass. The aroma is just as I suspected it would be, massively smoky, with deeply roasted caramel, bittersweet chocolate, and a strong hint of salty, smoked pork butt. It smells very elemental and earthy, basic yet formidable in its assertiveness. Flavors continue down the smoke trail, big, scorched caramel and chocolate malts showing along with more salty park notes and hints of earthy, peppery hops. The body is substantial and creamy, with balanced carbonation. As smoked beers go, this one it top notch. Great beer.
DrDavid (361), Johnson, Vermont, USA
Sep 28, 2008 (Bottle). Smoked meat aroma, and some maltiness. Root beer color with almost no head. Flavor a mixture of smokiness and malt. Complex and intense, but not as pleasurable as the Maerzen.
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