Victory Scarlet Fire Rauchbier

Date: 05/29/2008
Mode: Draft
Source: Brick Store Pub

Appearance: clear amber, creamy off white head, scattered drippy lace,
Aroma: big smoked wood aroma on a slightly sweet caramel malt base balanced by earthy hops,
Overall: rich dry caramel malt aroma, nice bready character, lots of balancing smoke bringing in an earthy and woody character,

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.6/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **4

Bright copper. Light aroma - only the vaguest smoke, munich malts. Lightish body, again just faint smoke underpinning a slightly toasty, caramelly vienna.

(draft) Crystal clear amber body with small off-white head. Aroma is smoke (charred wood), faint caramel. Taste is medium sweet, caramel, some smoke, peach. Light earthy in the finish. Light-medium body, lightly sticky.

Deep, crystal clear golden/amber hue. Very little head. Small, white and fizzy. Quickly diminishing. The aroma is only slightly smokey. Beechwood. Also, some citrusy notes. Very mild aroma for a rauchbier. The flavor is very malty and lightly smokey up front. Not sweet for a second. Balanced out nicely by a lightly tart and tangy hop presence on the backside. Medium-bodied with an oily mouthfeel. Lively carbonation. Medium-length, dry, astringent finish. Very nice beer! However, if you're a fan of heavily smoked beer, pass this one up. This is no Alaskan Smoked Porter or Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock.

On tap at the Brick Store, May 2008: Pours a transparent deep copper with a spotty-lacing off-white head. Aroma of lightly sweet toasty caramel with a big smoky character. Body starts lightly sweet and toasty caramely with a nice smoky balance and a touch of light fruits before a semi-dry finish. Has some lingering nice smoky notes. A good rauchbier.

Tap at Blind Tiger. Pale amber colour. Aroma is very softly smokey. Light beechy sweetness with some soft munich malt character as well. Low esters, very clean and well-lagered. Flavour is soft and lightly malty. Soft with a nice herbal bitterness on the back as well. Light smokey sweet flavour. Lean palate with just a hint of breadiness. It’s a very nice, refreshing lighter-style rauchbier.

Rated from notes. Had this last fall in Downingtown. Amber colored, with a smoky, malt aroma and flavor. Interesting style, but an acquired taste.

Poured a hazy brown / amber color with a small, off white head that left no lacing on the glass. Aroma of caramel malts, light clove, smoked meats, and nuts. Taste of the same, with a salty meat, and lightly metallic taste. Heavy carbonation on this one.