bkelley68 (468), Lakewood, Ohio, USA Nov 1, 2005 Hazy mahogany body with a thin touch of off white head. No shortage of aromas here. Lots of smoke and crystal malts, for sure. Quite balanced on the palate. Smoke is not overwhelming or overly "meaty". Nice long finish. This would probably be great with a nice cigar. MikeF (523), Cleveland, Ohio, USA May 13, 2003 If you don't like smoked beers much this is the one to try. If you do like smoked beers this is the one to try. I very much appreciated the crispness of this brew combined with the moderate smokiness. A balanced smoked brew. Drew (2374), Kent, Ohio, USA Apr 12, 2003 "I smell smoke that comes from a gun named extinction" - The Pixies - yeah I love Alt Rock! Oh, it's Alt Rauch....Well that's o.k. the quote belongs to this brew anyway. When they say "assertively hoppy" they mean probably 35-40 IBU - that's a real nice amount that complements the strong smoke flavors very nicely. Some of the smoked beers I've had have erred a bit on the sweet side - not this one. The strong rounded bitterness seems to bring out the charred wood flavor here. The hops fade quickly at the finish while the smoke smolders on your tongue. A palate killer - don't plan on tasting much afterwords. Poured deep ruby with a tan head and great lacing. Went very well with the smoked salmon pastry puffs and smoked porter bread.
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