Bonfire
Southern Star Brewing Company

12oz can - can't read the date. Opened 12-18-21.
1 finger white head, short retention and falls to a solid cap fairly quickly.
Opaque golden color. Light, wispy lacing.
All smoke on the aroma, not overpowering but not getting anything else initially.
Bit of a fermentation aroma when roused.
The smoke is present in the flavor (some rubber) but mingled in with a citrus peel-like (grapefruit) bitterness that plays well.
Medium-plus body with a full mouthfeel and medium-plus level of carbonation. Dry finish and a unique drink.
Very Good.

 

 

Poured from can into tulip, 1 finger loose white head, no retention and so so lacing. Golden hazy in the glass. Smoke on the nose, sulfur when freshly poured and mellows out after sitting in the glass, not overpowering. Sweetish malt on the front, followed quickly by smoke, pretty aggressive base on the nose. Where normally I would expect a lemon twang from a Grodziskie, this is more orange/tangerine. At 4.8 it is significantly more malt than most and that carries thru in the body. Smoke lingers heavily on the palate after the initial sip, but fades fast as you start drinking. Mild bitterness on the finish. Enjoyable beer, probably one of the ones I looked the most forward to. I think if they took a point off the ABV and worked towards more of a lemon twang this could be a great beer