Rauchtanzer
Notch Brewing

Nice applewood smoke punching through but not so much as to dominate. Clear apple woodiness instead of just generic smokiness. Not heavy-handed to the point it reminds you of BBQ. Similar to their lighter Rauchbiers, well done and very enjoyable.

 

On tap at Notch Salem

Smoked Schwarzbier? Hell yeah, I’m all about it. I haven’t made it to the OG Notch Salem location in quite some time, but while I was in the area I figured I might as well. I tend to like Notch’s Rauchbiers quite a bit, so et’s see what this smoky beast has to offer

Pours a slightly cloudy reddish brown with 2 fingers of creamy off white head that slowly fades to a cap and leaves decent lacing

Oh yeah, the cherrywood is extremely present in the nose, ushering in a wave of sweet smoke. I’m picking up on aromas of charred oak, dark toast, campfire smoke, herbal hops, dark cherry, cocoa powder, toffee, brown sugar, cherrywood, and light biscuit

It doesn’t quite the the same elegant balance in tatse, but it’s still very enjoyable. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting dark bread, earthy hops, charred oak, toffee, biscuity malt, beechwood smoke, and light brown sugar. The swallow brings notes of beechwood smoke, dark toast, toffee, cherrywood, charred oak, brown sugar, light toffee, and earthy hops

A medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a smooth beer with a bit of bite. Finishes mostly dry and snappy from the smoke

This one is damn good. Highly recommended if you like Rauchbiers/Smoked Beers as it’s quite unique

16oz. Can served in a sloped tulip. Pours a deep brown hue with ruby highlights when backlit and a descending, half-inch, off-white head. Nose is lovely - a kiss of smoke and hints of cherrywood. Taste is unassuming - smoked jerky, followed by light malts and finishing with a light, medicinal quality. Mouthfeel is light in body with a pleasant carbonation, just shy of assertive and semi-dry finish. Overall, a delicious smoked beer. Really flavorful at 4%.