Additional Notes: 05/03/2022

This is the bottle pictured.

Reading my original notes (below) from 17 years ago I’m a little surprised, since now I really enjoy this beer. To be honest, much more than a couple in any 12 month period is about all that I need, and I still find it best paired with food, but the words, “simply isn’t to my liking” is now just no longer true. I really enjoy it.

Original Notes: 06/29/2005

Well, it’s obviously an acquired taste, and it’s going to take some people by surprise, but this simply isn’t to my liking.

Nice appearance – solid brown ale, with a small head that fades fast.

The aroma is very strong – definitely like a very highly smoked ham. The initial tastes reflect this, but the finish is both dry and loses the “meat” aspect and ends up just being smoke! Not very appealing.

I would imagine that if you dislike smoke at all this really is going to be a beer to avoid.

Mouthfeel is pretty good, but the drinkability and taste are overwhelmed by the smoke.

If and when you do drink this I would definitely recommend consuming it with food. Something hearty as well to help take the edge off the whole experience. I suppose some good solid German fare would be in order, but offal might be an option too!