Fumé Du Sanglier
Birra Toccalmatto

 

750 ml bottle, BB 20. September 2011, into tulip. Pours opaque dark brown, almost black body topped by medium, frothy tan head that recedes to a soapy film. Aroma is beechwood smoked malt and subdued dried prunes with leathery notes. Smoky, woody flavor and dried prune tartness underneath with somewhat leathery sensation. Smoke lends clean dry finish to this smooth, medium bodied stout-like beer with flat carbonation.
I wonder what type of beer has been used as a base for this one as the smoked derivative should reflect the character of both smoke and base-beer. Considering that Fumé Du Sanglier is a top fermented ale brewed with Tradition (known to include aromas of raisin and plum) and Perle (incl. leathery, fruity aromas) hops, the fruity and leathery qualities behind the smoky curtain are not surprising.

In short: A stoutish, smoked fruity ale.

I am a bit Biased as I love Smoked beers. Pours brown, not overly dense, and lighter around the edges. Nice fluffy tan head that left some ok lacing. Smelled of sweet smoke and some sort of amazing ham/bacon hybrid. Tastes much of the same, slightly less intense but nice and not overly heavy. Very easy drinking, medium bodied and a sweeter but still smoky finish.