This evening we have Fort Collins Brewery Out of the Ashes Smoked Marzen shown here in a makeshift tabernacle (original tabernacle is under reconstruction). First off, I want to point out the picture of the poured beer; the visible 3 of 7 opacity rating, which is an improvement from many of the older posts that only show the bottle due to the fact that I pounded the beer before snapping a shot. A lighter color can indicate some commonalities with other beers (oftentimes less smokepower) but it does not detract from the smoke experience at all. And although I have found a number of great smokebeers that rank in at a 6 or 7 in darkness, the lighter hue I find as a pleasant surprise that may draw in drinkers not as sophisticated as us smokestackers with a higher palate. Smell comes in at “5 with campfire plus sweetness” which is just harmonious. And smokepower taste is a very balanced 4 of 7. FCB is going to get a visitation from The Ministry because of their passion for smokepower. They have a number of other smokebeers which rank on the higher side of the scale time and time again. They really deserve a genre of their own, which I shall call “American Smokebeer.” Overall happiness = 5 of 7.
| Brewer | Fort Collins Brewery |
| Beer Name | Out of the Ashes Smoked Marzen |
| Brewer’s Description | Out of the Ashes is a series of limited release beers that showcase the varied and unique flavors and aromas delivered from malt smoked over wood-burning fires. The newest member of the series, Smoked Marzen, boasts rich, bitter-sweet undertones. A sustaining smoke envelopes the beer like a good sauce compliments your favorite brisket. A classic German style brewed with American boldness. |
| Food Pairings | Brisket, pot brownies, hamburgers |
| Brewery Location | Fort Collins, Colorado |
| Alcohol content by volume | 5.6% |
| IBU (International Bitterness Units) | 21 |
| Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark) | 3 |
| Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns) | 5 |
| Sausage detection? Y or N | N |
| Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks | 4 |
| Beer thickness 1-7 (water – used motor oil) | 3 |
| Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (sad – happy) | 5 |
Johnny on the spot is running their website @
SmokeBeerMinistry 