Cherrywood-Smoked Red
Station 26 Brewing Co.

 

 

perhaps overly smoked on this one, not autumnal and like the german rauchbiers mature in its smoke character, this one seems like walking into a burning home, too risky, too much at stake, overwhelming. even a big frothy red malt body with plenty of sweetness cant balance it out. the smoke aspect really needs to be dialed back a bit, i have to fight it to taste the base beer, rather than have it serve as an accent flavor. i think its cool though that it was made in a fire house and its a smoky red, but it is need of some serious refinement to be drinkable more than say half a pint, it really smoked me out, and i like these beers usually. i see the potential here, and will revisit this one eventually, but for now its a palate wrecker in a way i dont really care for.

 

 

 

 

Appearance: Arrives with a clear amber color topped by an inch or so of foam; some lacing action

Smell: Slightly smoky and slightly fruity; somewhat biscuity

Taste: After a biscuity opening, the smoky/fruity tones come through; slightly bitter in the middle but the finish is balanced

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body with moderate carbonation

Overall: I was expecting a bit more from a smoked beer, frankly; this beer is easy to drink but it is lacking flavor to make it to the next level