Something Dark
Millbock Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A - Pours with an almost black body...there are some brown highlights around the edges that lighten things up...the head was an off white color and stood about a finger tall...there was some light lacing left behind

S - This one does not skimp on the smoke...it's big and reminds me of a campfire...there are notes of char, ash, and a meaty presence

T - All the factors from the nose carry over to the flavor...a big campfire presence with the ashy remains...it's a bit overpowering at first, but as the beer has a chance to warm everything blends together...I can't help but pick up a smoked meat/bacon flavor that "beefs" up the flavor on the palate...as the beer warms there is a bit of roasted malt that comes through and provides a hint of chocolate/coffee

M - Medium bodied...this one is pretty smooth, but there is an initial smoke intensity that lingers

O - I'm usually good for one smoke beer in a sitting...I enjoyed this one but it does need a chance to warm up before it can be approached heavily...a different brew coming from these small guys, gotta love it!

 

Draft offering served in a nonic at Als of Hampden. The brew appears a very dark brown to black with a thin tan head that is quick to dissolve. Some spotty fingers of lace stick to the gkass. A lighter brown clarity is noted around the edges.

This smells like burning. Very ashy and smoked with quite a bit of phenolics. Initially it is almost beefy and earthy with an herbal touch of hop inclusion. Mild indications of plastic across the back that is a bit displeasing but something familiar about it like pete smoked malt might have been used.

It takes a few sips before your palate becomes accustomed to the intensity of the smoke. Plenty of beefy smoke, ash, tobacco and earth. A mild roasty bitter chocolate character emerges underneath with a touch of coffee and citrus to herbal hops. At times there is a faint fruity alcohol ester but it gets dominated by the dry bitter roast and smoke.

This is a medium bodied brew with a modest amount of carbonation. A very big smoke impact that eventually blends together into a nice aggressive package. The alcohol is well integrated and this brew is worth a try. This brew flirts with being acrid and a bit over the top but I had no issue finishing my glass. A rough start at first, but it warmed up to me.