Rauchbier
Taps Brewing Co. Inc.

Enjoyed on tap at the brewpub. Served way too cold. More smoke flavour apparent as it warms, but too aggressive on the smoke flavour, which while good, was unbalanced. Aggressive carbonation. Average mouthfeel. less drinkable than the usual brews of this brewery. Lacey middle smokey yellow with a tiny head. Only a little smoke registering in the aroma.

Had as a 4 oz sampler...

No real head on the sample (which came to me quickly, so there should have been lacing at a minimum - though the other with out head when served to me had great lacing). A light brown - orange beer that comes clear. Look nice, and smells of hickory BBQ and chipotle and the nose. Much of the same in the tasted, though more muted than I was going to expect. Fantastic balance for what it is, keeping the smoke in check while allowing some malt to play through. Hard to drink a full one of these though... Someday I am sure I will be fully with the style on drinkability though.

On tap:

Puts a Lightly hazed amber orange lager in the glass...2 finger cap, good retention and lacing.

Aroma: Like Schlenkerla but less intense and more malty.

Moderate body, silky mouth feel.

Moderate Bamberg-styled smoky malt blast at the front but well balanced with sweet Munich amber malts and noble hops, birch wood, earthy....lightly dry finish is smoke-malty but clean.

A very decent rendition of the Bamberg style rauchbier...lacks Sclenkerla's intensity but is far better for drinkability. Rich in flavor, good quencher or with a grilled Bratwurst.