Phlogiston
Agrarian Ales

There is no question that this is not the prettiest beer. Murky and muddled deep brown as if soil had been liquified. There is some beauty to it despite its raw appearance. Crimson highlights flicker here and there, and the smooth, almost creamy looking lightly tanned foam resting on top likes it there just fine and comfy.

The aroma. Wow, the aroma. Most likely not for everyone, but suits me quite well. A smoldering oak smell, more like smelling a wild fire from afar rather than being propped right up next to a camp fire. As if its looks were an indication, heavy earthiness roots deeply but a pleasant and perfect caramel tone cuts through just enough to add a touch of sweetness.

It didn't take long for my shoulders to sink in and a pleased grin to form. One sip and I knew this was something special. Smokey. The right amount. Not straight smoked ham, but close. Sweet. That hint of caramel acts as a slather over the smoked meat goodness giving it a hair over honey baked. The juniper berries are noticeable giving it an extra sweet punch as well. Spicy. Damp forest soil complete with pine needles and the wood itself, powdered with white pepper finishes the story alongside a light but lingering smolder of smoke.

These flavors are paired with a texture that's a match made in heaven. It's smooth, and lightly carbonated removing any distractions. The sweetness of the spruce and juniper are sandwiched between smoke both before and after. The woody and spicy notes bring balance and dryness. The touch of alcohol warmth only enhances the experience.

Finally, someone has created a smoked beer that can stand proud to be (in my opinion) in the same veins of the famous Schlenkerla. In their shadows unfortunately, but this is one hell of a smoke beer and would (should) deserve great praise from any of the fan of the style. Too bad it will probably never see much attention.

Cheers!

While the Agrarian Ales team may be nestled into the farmlands of the Pacific Northwest, their old world ale made with pine needles, juniper, spruce and then barrel aged in wine barrels might as well have been pulled from the ashes.

Medium brown and topped with a frothy tan cap, Phlogiston rolls onto the nose with a nearly overwhelming perfume of smoke and mesquite. A strong brushfire character brings a savory spiciness to the senses and then greets the tongue with heavy toast, coffee, caramel and cocoa.

And then any malt influence is quickly dwarfed by the strong presence of smoke. A toasty dryness hosts aspects of coffee, roasted pecan, light cocoa powder and peppercorn. Drying throughout the middle palate the ale lands at a finishing flavor of burnt pine resins, smoldering embers and a complicated bitter and spicy smokiness.

Medium full on the palate, the late palate lingers deep and long with a taste of smoke that clings to the mouth and the nose and is difficult to shake, akin to strong cigar. Textures of powdery ash are hardly dampened by the lasting malt influence or sweetness as the campfire character reigns supreme.