Bonfire Of The Valkyries
New Albanian Brewing Company - Pizzeria and Public House

Bonfire Of The ValkyriesBonfire Of The Valkyries
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From:
New Albanian Brewing Company - Pizzeria and Public House
 
Indiana, United States
Style:
Rauchbier
ABV:
8%
Score:
83
Avg:
3.65 | pDev: 18.9%
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
58
Status:
Active
Rated:
May 03, 2015
Added:
Dec 30, 2006
Wants:
  5
Gots:
  5
20 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by RickS95:
Photo of RickS95
Reviewed by RickS95 from Indiana

3.8/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
If you poured dirty, abused oil in a glass and set it next to this, you'd not be able to tell the difference. Complete absence of light, absolute darkness. The head, what little there is, is brown and thin with almost no retention. A better head and this is the perfect looking beer.

I'm digging the smell. Lots of smoke, a bit of caramel. It actually smells a little like bacon and who doesn't like bacon.

Falls a bit flat in the taste as it's got a wateriness to it. No sharp flavors, it's like everything has been muted with water. Still, the smoke comes through and dominates, leaving only the maltiness for flavor.

Too watery for my liking, but it is a lager so it's somewhat expected. Very smoky, no crispness, though the finish is a bit tart and slightly dry. Some acid in the swallow.

Overall it's not bad. I appreciate the highish ABV, but could do without the watery feel. Really an attractive looking and smelling beer, just loses it a bit after that.
Dec 21, 2012
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.5 by atlbravsrno1 from Maine

May 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.87 by Lukass from Ohio

Apr 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by threedaggers from Kentucky

Jul 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by Rudes from North Dakota

Jun 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by tykechandler from Kentucky

Jun 19, 2014
Photo of Cresant
Reviewed by Cresant from Kentucky

3.99/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I poured this undated 22 oz. bottle into an etched tulip pint glass. The very dark brown/black body supported a modest tan head that receded to a film.

The smell is primarily smoked grains. A bit vegetal, but inviting. It smells like stepping into a BBQ restaurant - sweet and smoky. Faintly reminiscent of peppercorns and campfires.

The texture of this beer is creamier than I expected from a lager, however, this is a big lager. Medium to full bodied with adequate carbonation, smooth in the mouth.

The taste reflects the aroma. Restrained smoke with a welcome snap of lager crispness. The smoke is definitely the main character in this beer, but it does not assault you. The middle is a bit sweet but it finishes with a light, roasted grain bitterness. The IBUs are low at 20. There are some dark sweet chocolate notes as well as a light nuttiness. Very well hidden alcohol - this one weighs in at a hefty 8% ABV, but it is difficult to taste it here.

I suspect this beer is homage to Roger Baylor’s well-known love of smoked Franconian rauchbiers. I find this to be a well-balanced and easily drinkable smoked beer. It is so drinkable that it would be easy to gloss over the subtle, yet present, layers of this enjoyable beer. I am confident this would pair well with anything from your grill or smoker this summer.
Jun 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Gustavus_97 from Michigan

May 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Bstrickler from Kentucky

May 23, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by BSuter from Indiana

May 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by sabitu from Kentucky

Mar 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by Jakep2021 from Kentucky

Mar 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by rxthree from Ohio

Feb 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by zrab11 from Indiana

Jan 20, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by tommy5 from Michigan

Dec 25, 2013
 
Rated: 1 by HopsMatt from Kentucky

Nov 20, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by osuskin from Indiana

Oct 02, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by vfgccp from New York

Jun 30, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by mpayne5 from Indiana

May 28, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by bkonk10 from Indiana

May 22, 2013
Bonfire Of The Valkyries from New Albanian Brewing Company - Pizzeria and Public House
Beer rating: 83 out of 100 with 58 ratings