Smoked Abbey
Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria West

I was lucky enough to experience Wichita Brewing Co's Smoked Abbey from a growler my buddy had filled at the brewpub. Nice color - hazed copper/orange, but with a lack of foam which would have made it beautiful. I don't seem to remember any of the smoked beers I've tried having much of a head. Maybe the smoke just can't share the limelight, I don't know. As with most smoked beers that first taste is a bit of a shock. It's always that way for me. Upon first sip it seems a bit much, but as the glass gets shorter it begins to take a backseat to flavors of apple, grape, pear, and candy sugar with a hint of buttery vanilla cookie and some grassy hops. I would prefer this medium bodied beer have a little more fizz to chew on, but it's adequate. The strangest Abbey style ale I've come across so far. Strange, but interesting. These guys make some really good beers, but this is far from their best. Still, worth trying.