Additional notes 04/13/24

Picked up this 2023 Vintage (pictured) on a recent trip to Colorado. Not a beer that i thought that I would ever necessarily see again but here we are.

The finish is more bitter than I remember, in fact quite noticeably so, but the smoke is still relatively mild. A little surprised at the bitterness in fact. This is likely just a change of palate for me rather than a change in the beer,

A true American classic, still superb after all these years.

Original notes 10/2006

22 oz bomber acquired in a recent trade – apologies for now, but I forget who. When I remember, I’ll post.

2005 Vintage.

Pour is close to black with some dark brown/red highlights at the extremities. Not much sustainable head, and not much lacing. Some creamy spottiness on the surface. A little more carbonated than I was expecting. In fact, quite fizzy when you listen carefully – takes a little away from the mouthfeel for me.

Aroma is amazing. Sweet, sweet smoke that is obvious but beautifully understated. NOT like many Rauchbiers that I have had. This is definitely an example of a smoked sausage or smoked ham type beer, but the sweetness gets bigger and bigger as you drink. Wave after wave of mild smoked cheeses, meats and fish – I’m not a huge fan of smoked foods, but this is exceptional.

I am amazed at the drinkability and the smell of this beer, both are exceptional. Sweet smoke. If you don’t like smoked beers much, try this. It just may change your mind.