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Unplugged Smoked Rye Bock
New Glarus Brewing Company
- From:
- New Glarus Brewing Company
- Wisconsin, United States
- Style:
- Smoked Beer
- ABV:
- 12%
- Score:
- 91
- Avg:
- 4.11 | pDev: 8.76%
- Reviews:
- 62
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Jul 29, 2014
- Added:
- Oct 01, 2005
- Wants:
- 22
- Gots:
- 0
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by ChimRichels from Wisconsin
4.52/5 rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
4.52/5 rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
A - muddy brown with ruby highlights. Bone colored head leaves a thin ring and minimal lacing
S - Bubblegum, campfire, green olives. Some pine resin, chocolate.
T - Briney, smokey, a bit chocolatey. A manifestation of the nose.
M - Very smooth. Highly viscous, which is to be expected in a rye beer. Very much on point.
O - Excellent smoked beer, maybe the best I've had. The thick viscosity of rye compliments the rich decadence of the bock. The smokiness is the cherry on top.
EDIT: I just went through and read other reviews and noticed everyone pointing out it is 12%. Is this right?!?? I would have guessed it to be around 7%. If so, I think this beer has to be the most well-masked beer I've ever had. Absolutely NO hint of alcohol in the nose or taste.
Jun 08, 2011S - Bubblegum, campfire, green olives. Some pine resin, chocolate.
T - Briney, smokey, a bit chocolatey. A manifestation of the nose.
M - Very smooth. Highly viscous, which is to be expected in a rye beer. Very much on point.
O - Excellent smoked beer, maybe the best I've had. The thick viscosity of rye compliments the rich decadence of the bock. The smokiness is the cherry on top.
EDIT: I just went through and read other reviews and noticed everyone pointing out it is 12%. Is this right?!?? I would have guessed it to be around 7%. If so, I think this beer has to be the most well-masked beer I've ever had. Absolutely NO hint of alcohol in the nose or taste.
Reviewed by BeerFMAndy from Wisconsin
3.87/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
3.87/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle split in a stemmed glass. No date or info.
Thanks to Bnieman for digging this old brew out of his Dad's deep cellar!
A - This aged Unplugged pours a hazed golden amber color with a low off-white head. Low retention and a small ring of foam. Some chunks of floating yeast are expected.
S - Lightly smoky sharp rye and caramel malt aroma. Low earthy hoppiness with a larger smoothness.
T - More smoke appears in the flavor with a nice rye bite. Heavily malted bock flavor with an earthy finish.
M - Smooth, a little carbonation loss isn't really surprising. Medium-bodied, crisp and smooth finishing.
D - Wow, 12%? That must be a joke. With the age on this there wasn't a HINT of alcohol in it. Decent drinkability for a beer that's aged pretty gracefully.
Dec 27, 2010Thanks to Bnieman for digging this old brew out of his Dad's deep cellar!
A - This aged Unplugged pours a hazed golden amber color with a low off-white head. Low retention and a small ring of foam. Some chunks of floating yeast are expected.
S - Lightly smoky sharp rye and caramel malt aroma. Low earthy hoppiness with a larger smoothness.
T - More smoke appears in the flavor with a nice rye bite. Heavily malted bock flavor with an earthy finish.
M - Smooth, a little carbonation loss isn't really surprising. Medium-bodied, crisp and smooth finishing.
D - Wow, 12%? That must be a joke. With the age on this there wasn't a HINT of alcohol in it. Decent drinkability for a beer that's aged pretty gracefully.
Reviewed by levifunk from Wisconsin
4.07/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.07/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had this at a small tasting recently. Reviewed from notes.
a - big yeast chunks. cloudy gold.
s - peat smoke and rye.
t - smoke and caramelized malt.
m - medium body. low carbonation.
had no idea this was 12%, wow. the booze has mellowed significantly.
Oct 28, 2010a - big yeast chunks. cloudy gold.
s - peat smoke and rye.
t - smoke and caramelized malt.
m - medium body. low carbonation.
had no idea this was 12%, wow. the booze has mellowed significantly.
Reviewed by mothman from Minnesota
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into CCB snifer.
Pours 1/4 finger collar of head. Leaves some spotty lace. Color is a hazy burnt orange. Some sediment got through.
Aroma: I can tell this is a larger bock beer just from the aroma. Rich and malty. Toffee with some raisins. It shows notes of sweetness and cloves. It has the slightest touch of smoke. No roasted malts here.
Taste: Well, I found the smoke. The smoke flavors show a lot more in the taste. Not dominate, but present. A very well flavored bock. Very malty and sweet. Caramel and toffee flavors. The yeast shows a lot with cloves. Some dark fruit flavors, raisins. A bit of booze shows in the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Crisp and then it smooths out. Medium bodied with a decent amount of carbonation. Ends a bit dry with malt and alcohol notes.
Overall, a really good bock/smoked beer. It wasn't overly smoked, but what was there complemented the bock flavors well. I had no idea this was 12% abv. Drinks pretty well.
Sep 09, 2010Pours 1/4 finger collar of head. Leaves some spotty lace. Color is a hazy burnt orange. Some sediment got through.
Aroma: I can tell this is a larger bock beer just from the aroma. Rich and malty. Toffee with some raisins. It shows notes of sweetness and cloves. It has the slightest touch of smoke. No roasted malts here.
Taste: Well, I found the smoke. The smoke flavors show a lot more in the taste. Not dominate, but present. A very well flavored bock. Very malty and sweet. Caramel and toffee flavors. The yeast shows a lot with cloves. Some dark fruit flavors, raisins. A bit of booze shows in the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Crisp and then it smooths out. Medium bodied with a decent amount of carbonation. Ends a bit dry with malt and alcohol notes.
Overall, a really good bock/smoked beer. It wasn't overly smoked, but what was there complemented the bock flavors well. I had no idea this was 12% abv. Drinks pretty well.
Reviewed by mdfb79 from New York
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From 7/9/10 notes. Had at a local DC tasting.
a - Pours an amber color with no head and light carbonation.
s - Smells of wheat, caramel malts, and definitely some smoke. Pretty nice.
t - Tastes smokey, roasted malts, caramel malts, rye, and wheat.
m - Medium body and low carbonation.
d - I thought this was a very nice beer. Very easy to drink for 12% ABV and some nice smokiness in the smell and taste. Would love to try again.
Jul 17, 2010a - Pours an amber color with no head and light carbonation.
s - Smells of wheat, caramel malts, and definitely some smoke. Pretty nice.
t - Tastes smokey, roasted malts, caramel malts, rye, and wheat.
m - Medium body and low carbonation.
d - I thought this was a very nice beer. Very easy to drink for 12% ABV and some nice smokiness in the smell and taste. Would love to try again.
Reviewed by weatherdog from Illinois
3.84/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.84/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a tulip glass. Age is roughly 4.5 years old. It's been in my possession for about 3 years. I broke it out at a recent tasting with Gonzoillini.
It was a crystal clear light brown with a tan head. I has the last of three pours and mine had an ungodly amount of sediment and chunks in it. I'm not offended by it but it hurts the appearance score.
It had a fair amount of smoke in the nose but not over the top. I have a feeling age has mellowed it quite a bit. I'm also getting just a little bit of rye as well. Overall a pretty muted nose.
The taste had a lot of burnt smoky carmelness to it. It was also pretty crisp at the end. Body was a little thin I thought and not as chewy as I would have thought for a 12% bock type beer. It was unbelievably smooth though and didn't hint at the ABV at all. A little bourbonesque notes to it but that could also be the smoke.
It was very smooth and very drinkable. I'm really glad I saved my last bottle for so long. I really hope NG makes another smoked beer soon.
Jan 13, 2010It was a crystal clear light brown with a tan head. I has the last of three pours and mine had an ungodly amount of sediment and chunks in it. I'm not offended by it but it hurts the appearance score.
It had a fair amount of smoke in the nose but not over the top. I have a feeling age has mellowed it quite a bit. I'm also getting just a little bit of rye as well. Overall a pretty muted nose.
The taste had a lot of burnt smoky carmelness to it. It was also pretty crisp at the end. Body was a little thin I thought and not as chewy as I would have thought for a 12% bock type beer. It was unbelievably smooth though and didn't hint at the ABV at all. A little bourbonesque notes to it but that could also be the smoke.
It was very smooth and very drinkable. I'm really glad I saved my last bottle for so long. I really hope NG makes another smoked beer soon.
Reviewed by mikesgroove from South Carolina
4.47/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.47/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Another in the unplugged series. I only have two left I believe to complete the whole line, so I was thrilled to be able to knock this one off the list. Served chilled and poured into a pint glass, this one was consumed on 05/21/2009.
The pour was interesting as at first there was a very nice amber color with amazing clarity. A nice head of white came up and over the top, settling down nicely into a firm pillow that coated the sides and really looked very nice. As it settled though, along came the floaties, and lots of them. This does not really throw me off per se, but I must make a note about it. Wondering how this was going to continue I lean in gently, finding a rich sour aroma, hmmm. Sour apples are the first thing that comes across my mind, but it was much more then that. Sweet, candy like notes as well, like sugary syrup mixed in with a rich sour note and a hint of some light grain, not sure what to make of this so I lean in for a sip. Quick hit of spice up front, rye I am assuming melds back in a delicious candy like flavor with a light tart bite to it. Not sure what I would call this still, but I am surprised, intrigued, and very happy with what I am finding. Light all around as the flavor was not heavy at all and lended itself very well to a fine session. As it warms the taste stays the same, smooth, even, delicious.
Overall this was easily the most interesting of the series for me and really had me guessing the entire time. Really nicely done and an interesting mix of flavors and feels. Again not really sure what to call it other then very, very good.
May 22, 2009The pour was interesting as at first there was a very nice amber color with amazing clarity. A nice head of white came up and over the top, settling down nicely into a firm pillow that coated the sides and really looked very nice. As it settled though, along came the floaties, and lots of them. This does not really throw me off per se, but I must make a note about it. Wondering how this was going to continue I lean in gently, finding a rich sour aroma, hmmm. Sour apples are the first thing that comes across my mind, but it was much more then that. Sweet, candy like notes as well, like sugary syrup mixed in with a rich sour note and a hint of some light grain, not sure what to make of this so I lean in for a sip. Quick hit of spice up front, rye I am assuming melds back in a delicious candy like flavor with a light tart bite to it. Not sure what I would call this still, but I am surprised, intrigued, and very happy with what I am finding. Light all around as the flavor was not heavy at all and lended itself very well to a fine session. As it warms the taste stays the same, smooth, even, delicious.
Overall this was easily the most interesting of the series for me and really had me guessing the entire time. Really nicely done and an interesting mix of flavors and feels. Again not really sure what to call it other then very, very good.
Reviewed by neonbrown82 from Nebraska
3.93/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
3.93/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Bottle obtained courtesy of Erdinger2003 as part of a trade extra. I can't thank you enough for raiding your cellar just out of sheer generosity.
The beer pours to a nice clear amber color. The carbonation is very active, but it keeps those floaties tumbling around indefinitely. No head on the pour, just a thin film.
The smell reminds me of Grape Nuts cereal, although I guess the easy argument would be that it smells like the raw cereal grains this beer was brewed with. Also has some berry esters. The alcohol is surprisingly mute for being a whopping 12% ABV. The dirty rye aroma and the smoke meld seemlessly, but neither are as pronounced as I would have thought, which is a good thing. Just because it says Smoked Rye on the label doesn't mean I need to be beat over the head with it. If there is one thing New Glarus does right, it's keeping things subtle, but not at the expense of keeping things interesting. That is what places them at the Upper Echelon of American craft breweries, IMO.
Anyways... The taste is very good as well, just as I would have suspected. The smoke is a little more pronounced, but still doesn't beat you over the head. The rye pokes its dirty little head out in the finish, accompanied by some fruity esters. Fairly dry with only a little bit of sweetness. The alcohol is very mellow as well. Either this beer spent a lot of time in the cellar mellowing out, or it was just that well crafted. Either way, I sure feel like I won the lottery with this one.
The body is fairly big and dry. The rye has a decent bite, combined with the alcohol bite. Carbonation is a little on the flat side, despite what the appearance shows off. Typical for a 12% ABV beer, however. Very well done, and quite drinkable for a beer that has so much going on. Too bad this was just a one time deal, because I would love to try one fresh to see how it compares.
Mar 24, 2008The beer pours to a nice clear amber color. The carbonation is very active, but it keeps those floaties tumbling around indefinitely. No head on the pour, just a thin film.
The smell reminds me of Grape Nuts cereal, although I guess the easy argument would be that it smells like the raw cereal grains this beer was brewed with. Also has some berry esters. The alcohol is surprisingly mute for being a whopping 12% ABV. The dirty rye aroma and the smoke meld seemlessly, but neither are as pronounced as I would have thought, which is a good thing. Just because it says Smoked Rye on the label doesn't mean I need to be beat over the head with it. If there is one thing New Glarus does right, it's keeping things subtle, but not at the expense of keeping things interesting. That is what places them at the Upper Echelon of American craft breweries, IMO.
Anyways... The taste is very good as well, just as I would have suspected. The smoke is a little more pronounced, but still doesn't beat you over the head. The rye pokes its dirty little head out in the finish, accompanied by some fruity esters. Fairly dry with only a little bit of sweetness. The alcohol is very mellow as well. Either this beer spent a lot of time in the cellar mellowing out, or it was just that well crafted. Either way, I sure feel like I won the lottery with this one.
The body is fairly big and dry. The rye has a decent bite, combined with the alcohol bite. Carbonation is a little on the flat side, despite what the appearance shows off. Typical for a 12% ABV beer, however. Very well done, and quite drinkable for a beer that has so much going on. Too bad this was just a one time deal, because I would love to try one fresh to see how it compares.
Reviewed by faernt from Illinois
4.01/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
4.01/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
I didn't know this beer was 12% ABV until I logged into this site. The large % is not overwhelming. Either is the rye. I sought out rye as I chose it to pair with an herbed chicken. It didn't show. I would call this a smoked bock. The smoke is light as well so I suppose I could call it a bock. However, the body and mouthfeel is big and viscous so I could call it a double bock.
It's a well made beer. It was full of floaties and I'd poured it into one of Jim Koch's "gift to us" glasses. Thanks Jim. The laser scoring that enervated the bubbles caused them to juggle the floaties. It really looks great. I'd never seen floaties juggled before.
I enjoyed it. The hops, as expected, weren't pronounced. This is my 100th review. What do you know? It's been fun.
Mar 16, 2008It's a well made beer. It was full of floaties and I'd poured it into one of Jim Koch's "gift to us" glasses. Thanks Jim. The laser scoring that enervated the bubbles caused them to juggle the floaties. It really looks great. I'd never seen floaties juggled before.
I enjoyed it. The hops, as expected, weren't pronounced. This is my 100th review. What do you know? It's been fun.
Reviewed by t0rin0 from California
3.94/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.94/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a pint glass. It was a very light color for a bock, kinda like an IPA. It was light brown/golden and there wasn't much head. Interestingly enough there was plenty of lacing on the glass. The appearance really lost points because there were big chunks of yeast swimming around in the beer. I actually resorted to pouring from one glass to the next through a sieve. It actually worked in that it shredded the chunks down to a more managable and less noticeable size.
The smell was strong on the smoke and the rye. Some nice european malts coming through too, very nice.
The taste was a balance between yeast, smoke, and rye. The rye gave it a little bitterness but not much. Not sure how old this is but I would imagine that by now the flavor will have changed a little bit. Nice pleasant aftertaste as well. Overall very enjoyable.
Body was medium, as it should be for a bock. It also helped to accentuate the flavors a little bit in that the mouthfeel wasn't distracting or there to mask anything. Very drinkable beer. Nice sipper but can be consumed quickly as well.
Mar 06, 2008The smell was strong on the smoke and the rye. Some nice european malts coming through too, very nice.
The taste was a balance between yeast, smoke, and rye. The rye gave it a little bitterness but not much. Not sure how old this is but I would imagine that by now the flavor will have changed a little bit. Nice pleasant aftertaste as well. Overall very enjoyable.
Body was medium, as it should be for a bock. It also helped to accentuate the flavors a little bit in that the mouthfeel wasn't distracting or there to mask anything. Very drinkable beer. Nice sipper but can be consumed quickly as well.
Reviewed by MuenchenerKindl from Germany
4.15/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.15/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle from NFLMVP ( Thanks Bro ) to a glass mug. The liquid is a dark gold with good carbonation, The head is one fat thumb white and leaves some lace.
The smell is toasty nut bread and a mild smokey aroma.
The taste follows. Nice mild smoke over a bready malt.
The mouthfeel is think and syrupy with good carbonation for the style.
I love a good sipping bock and this one works for my. Prosit und Zum Wohl. MK
Aug 28, 2007The smell is toasty nut bread and a mild smokey aroma.
The taste follows. Nice mild smoke over a bready malt.
The mouthfeel is think and syrupy with good carbonation for the style.
I love a good sipping bock and this one works for my. Prosit und Zum Wohl. MK
Unplugged Smoked Rye Bock from New Glarus Brewing Company
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
71 ratings
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