Pitmaster's Pride
Bear Republic Brewing Co.

 

July 28th, 2015 - Second on the Bear Republic taster line is the Pitmaster's Pride. The name suggests BBQ and the aroma gives that light smokiness (no doubt from the smoked malt) and a light steam lager smell. The smoked flavor is quite mild in the plate, like a charcuterie plate, but it's really, really good. Not overly smoked, it unfurls slowly and never gets caustic.

 

i think a beer like this has been a long time coming, and bear republic has made it about as well as it could have been done. nothing quite like this session smoke beer out there, its great stuff. on tap at choice city deli in fort collins, it looks like a california common, maybe a touch of darker malt in it, but its clear and carbonated like a soda, really inviting with a tall white head. smells excellent, i think the smoke is really reserved in it. hints of wood in the aroma, but more of just a clean light malt base and a little bit of bittering hops. the taste shows a bit more of the smoke, but this is still a really subtle feature. perhaps as subtle as ive seen it in a beer like this. helps with bitter balance, and it also gives the beer a nice earthy low end that is often missing in the style. i go back and forth between loving how subtle it is, and thinking it might not be bold enough to stand up to some of the barbeque that seems to be suggested to eat with it. im thinking spice and sweet and heavy smoke would overpower this, but this may also cut some of that richness and compliment it nicely. the mouthfeel is awesome too, its really light and dry enough, with incredibly forceful carbonation, making it really refreshing for something smokey. overall a cool little experiment here, very well executed. niche beer though, i never expect this to have a wide audience, but i like what theyve done with it.