Sly Fox Rauchbier

Normally I don’t like smoked beers at all, but I really enjoyed this one. Smoke flavor and aromas seemed very natural - not chemically or plastic-like like some other smokes beers I’ve tried. For me, the tasting was more about the what I thought of when drinking it rather than the actual flavor (which was very good). I kept having visions of a colonial inn with a large hearth that has been used for years and years. The smoke has pervaded the building and you’ve just walked in on a snowy cold night. That’s sort of the mental visions I had when sipping this beer.

Draft at Royersford location. Deep copper colored, with aroma of caramel malt, hops, smoke. Tastes caramel malty, with a great hop presence backed up by a firm smoky taste and finish. Extremely smooth and crisp, with a rauchy element that is not overpowering. A top-notch rauch.

Ginger Man, NYC. Clear brown coloured, brown head. Pretty smoked aroma. Sweet and balanced brew. Amazing that such good rauchbiers can be made outside Bamberg!

06 Goat Races. Pour was a medium/light bodied darker amber/brown color with a small lace. Strong smoked malts in the aroma. Flavor was somewhat biscuity with some sweet smoke and dark fruits . Very nice.

On tap at Phoenixville, 2006 Goat Races. Pours a light amber colored body, clear, with minimal to no head. Aroma is just loads of smoked meat with dry malts. A very aggressive aroma, I think I will like this. The flavor has lots of smoked malt up front and a great clean finish with lingering meatiness. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Overall, a nice aggressive smokiness with good body, this really ranks up there with the Aecht Schlenkerla beers to me. Certainly the best attempt from a brewpub I’ve had. It’s as if somebody finally made a beer that might offend customers. It’s about time!