After Glow
Tonewood Brewing - Barrington

This is one of the lightest looking Rauchbiers encountered. It came from a tap, delivered via a clear pint glass. It's a very bright and light amber that's close to translucent. But, malty smokiness can certainly be detected by the nose. It also certainly tastes smokey and in a good way. Smoke dominates the taste, without becoming overwhelming. The sweetness of the malt contends as a taste factor at the beginning, but by the finish, it's all smoke. The way it finishes, it's sort of like a good IPA, where the bittering hops take over. In this case, it's not the bitterness of hops, but the smoked malt. No point discussing the glass lacing, nor body, as they're at adjunct beer level. But, this is for anyone that likes a Rauchbier who can forgive it not being a Marzen.

 

Straw yellow body, clear; lots of fine carbonation bubbles rising; thick, white head, creamy texture, sculpted. Grainy aroma; very faint smoke. More smoke appears in the taste; moderate cereal grain taste; mild bitterness with a slight acrid quality. Light to medium body; crisp.

A generally nice, lightly smoked lager. It has great looks and taste, decent smell and mouthfeel. Very pleasant.

Pouring temperature: 47 °F; canning data: unknown

Beautiful gold and crystal clear color, perfectly white head that lingers and lingers with beautiful lacing. I feel like Side pulls almost cheat in the head department, this beer is a looker.

Smell is a nice subdued smoke that carries a nice fresh cut grass and peppery spice note.

Taste was a wow for me, crackery, fresh baked breaks, a lemon citrus hop note with a grassy finish. I even pick up some floral notes and then the smoke just creeps back in via nasal canal in the aftertaste. Lovely stuff, just so many layers and flavors all in harmony.

Light body, incredibly quaffable; like this drinks as smooth as water. A bitter bite on the finish seals the deal for me.