Rauchbier
pFriem Family Brewers

this is really excellent, lighter than anticipated, but so dialed as far as quality goes, these guys really do a lot of things well, even near perfect. this has a little copper color to it but is paler than many of its peers, and i thought the smoke was pretty subtle on it, pretty much all at the swallow, although it warms up a little more robustly, my wife thought maybe a little too light on the smoke for the style, but i kind of appreciate the way it makes this beer so drinkable, and they avoid the acrid and bitter character of the smoke these can sometimes get at greater intensity, but i also think thats as much about the type and quality of the actual smoked malt itself as anything else. nose here is rustic and woodsy, bready yeast alongside mild wafting campfire smoke, light peat in the distance, minerals from the water, the faintest astringency, autumnal to me too, cozy without being heavy. the flavor is awesome, fallen leaves, old decomposing wood, light iodine, all products of the late onset smoke profile. german character to the yeast and the other grain in this too, hearty and bread-like while remaining dry. an almost healthful vibe to this, and it seems old world all the way, ancient even. cool water chemistry on this, just right for the style, and it remains super balanced, the smoke never takes over. thoughtful beer for this time of year, even kind of crisp as smoked beer goes. well done as always from pfriem.

 

 

 

 

On tap at ABV.

A dark brown with a thin head that leaves no lacing, this looks OK. The nose is very nice. Closer in spirit to the Schlenkerla Helles as opposed to the Maibock/Urbock, there's plenty of wet campfire smoke with some pine needles and mint. Earthy hops with a lightly toasty/caramel-like malt complement the smoke nicely.The palate is smoky and bittersweet with a blend of smoldering wet leaves and wet wood, caramel, toffee, a little honey and a blend of mint and earthy hops. Drying, smoky and mildly bitter on the finish, this beer has a lingering burnt sugar bitterness that pairs nicely with the smoke. With a touch of spice, this beer is very nice.