Smoky Hill Ale
Free State Brewing Co.

Beer Geek Stats
From:
Free State Brewing Co.
 
Kansas, United States
Style:
Smoked Beer
ABV:
Not listed
Score:
+6 ratings needed
Avg:
4.23 | pDev: 3.07%
Ratings:
4 | reviews: 4
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Oct 22, 2006
Added:
Feb 24, 2006
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
This deep brown, smoky ale is brewed with pilsner, Munich, roasted and caramel malts as well as a healthy dose of beechwood-smoked malt from Germany. Some breweries just age their beers on beechwood. We think this adds more character. The smoked malt from Bamburg, Germany is a classic used around the world for a fine smoke flavor and aroma. Caramel malt adds sweetness to mellow the smoke and Northern Brewer hops add further balance to this unique beer. (O.G. - 15P/1060. Hops - 35 IBUs)

The Smokey Hills region of Kansas covers a large area of the north central portion of the state, with fingers stretching nearly to the Colorado border.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Photo of Boto
Reviewed by Boto from Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Draught @ Free State: This one pours a clear, yet very dark brown with a tan head that drops off somewhat quickly. This one has a very nice aroma. It is smoky with some roasted malts. This one has a full malt body. There are nutty notes to go along with the smokiness. Some bitterness also. This is a very nice brew.
Oct 22, 2006
Photo of HardTarget
Reviewed by HardTarget from Texas

4.13/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
Aroma: Hickory smoke, wood and chicory. Swear I got an odd pasta smell as wellÂ…

Appearance: Deep brown glass with nice clarity and a ruby edge when backlit. Cover of tan lasted long and laced nicely.

Flavor: Full of smoke, some porter taste keeps a nice undertone going, but it included Fuggles, which is totally appropriate, but un-favored by the current reviewer.

Mouthfeel: Soft and creamy with medium carbonation.

Overall Impression: Very enjoyable, if somewhat one dimensional. The smoke hides most of the beer, but given I don't care for most porters, that's a good thing!
Apr 15, 2006
Photo of karst
Reviewed by karst from Missouri

4.42/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
s Pours a clear, dark-brown color two finger light-brown head. Lacing sides of my Schlafly pint glass. Medium mouthfeel. Strong smoked-malt flavor. I love a smoked beer and this does not disapoint. A better beer than OFallon Smoke IMHO with more complexity from the Bamberg Smoked malt mixed with dark roasted barley, caramel, munich. Sweet but the caramal is held back to let the beachwood smoke dominate flavor. Found this on tap at the Repeal of Prohibition festival and returned for second and third samples. This would be my choice for a growler and it would make a nice session beer to share with friends. Pairing well with most grilled meat and heavier cheeses.
Apr 09, 2006
Photo of Dansting
Reviewed by Dansting from Kansas

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
From a growler. Poured a clear, dark-brown color with a small, light-brown head. Strong lacing. Nice, smooth mouthfeel. Strong smoked-malt flavor. Very strong on the smoked part, especially the aftertaste. Very solid beer. If you like smoked beers, you would really enjoy this offering.
Mar 17, 2006