Fort Collins brings all kinds of great beer to the table. Not only do they have a robust selection of different kinds of beer, they also have a healthy library of distinctly unique smokebeers (their Out of the Ashes series was particularly notable). Z smoked amber lager is not one of the good ones. I am grateful for FCB’s efforts in my field, but it is safe to say that I don’t like this smokebeer. Z is a little sweet, little sour, little bitter, little smokey, and a little bit weird. I don’t have much else to say about it. Final score, a generous 3 out of 7 smokestacks of happiness.
| Brewer | Fort Collins Brewery |
| Beer Name | Z Smoked Amber Lager |
| Brewer’s Description | Rauchbier dates back to the 1500s in Bamberg Germany when malt was often dried over the flames of a beechwood fire. The lingering smoke flavors & slight caramel undertones make this smoked amber lager an unexpected culinary delight. |
| Food Pairings | Meat |
| Brewery Location | Fort Collins, Colorado |
| Alcohol content by volume | 5.4% |
| Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark) | 3 |
| Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns) | 3.5 |
| Sausage detection? Y or N | N |
| Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks | 4 |
| Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (sad – happy) | 3 |
Although it looks like FCB has removed all memories of Z lager, feel free to learn more at:
SmokeBeerMinistry 