Rauchweizen
Khoffner Craft Ale & Lagers

 

 

if its not the best, its certainly one of the most interesting beers available in this most righteous little establishment that is well worth a visit! a seemingly classic thing on the surface, but mega unconventional in reality. its a smoked wheat, with some rauch type malts, heavy smoke, the alder or cherry wood, and the earthy shed bark and fallen leaf autumnal elements to go along with it. hard to pick, blend, mash, and understand grain to this degree. the beer is an intimate expression of comprehension and ability, attention to detail, curiosity, and respect for tradition, all i could ever want in a brew. maybe smoked wheat, but some wheat malt for sure, and definitely some sweeter grain too, some crystal richness and some earthy kilned aspects, but its hard to tell. the smoke is strong, autumnal, slightly bitter, fiery and new and warm, but not harsh, iodine loaded, or caustic and overdone. the body from the wheat is cool, i have not seen it to this degree in smoked beer, and there is a fine sweetness that makes me think of tea, old furniture, and expiring trail mix. this is killer beer, and more people should know about it. the single most compelling beer here, and worth a trip just to taste. you are not likely to find smoked beer this classic, interesting, and good anywhere else, united states or beyond...

Draft pint at the Khoffner brewery in Ft Lauderdale. Medium brown with nice cream head. Aroma is malted smoke - enticing. Strangely the initial taste is fishy/ tinny followed by alder smoke but the effect is actually ok kindalike smoked salmon. There is a lingering sweetness. No hop.