I smell it through the bag, baby! Well, maybe not, because it’s not in a bag, and because, I can’t. But for those of you who recognize the reference, the sentiment is the same. Upon opening Surly’s SMOKE, arose the most perfect aroma, like a genie emerging from a bottle. Smells great, like campfires, smoked sausage, a beautifully healthy coniferous forest. Poured with notable viscosity and a short George Hamilton tan head. Man, this beer is robust! A mere 2 sips in and a deep complexity bubbled up to the surface. Malts, sweet molasses, evergreens, luxury, leather, holly, deep woods… Maybe this beer is making me hallucinate. Don’t do drugs, and weed counts as drugs. Are there any secret ingredients in this? This is a rich beer. I smell a great score approaching Surly SMOKE Lager. This is big time folks, Surly’s SMOKE is just about to score a 7 out of 7. An official review has to take place, and then the crown is placed. Hear ye, hear ye!

!Update! The Ministry has spoken. Surly’s SMOKE was given a closer look and unfortunately did not replicate the same results. The final tally is a very impressive 6.5 smokestacks out of 7. I know we were all excited to see the 7 out of 7 toyed around with, but a second tasting wavered from the original. On a side note, an unexpected outcome from the Ministry convening was for closer looks at a few other beers including Alaskan Smoked Porter.