Smells like smoke. Old City is Burning has a nice medium malty character that distinguishes itself early on in the tasting of this one. This beer really distinguishes itself as a true rauchbier, which is at the heart of what SBM is searching for, although 2nd Story does so with a tiptoeing of sorts, which is polite but unnecessary. The inclusion of sausage and smoked meat flavors is a must and points are scored in that respect, but not enough chest pounding by the unsuspecting brutes who order this beer after 20 years of abusing light beer, (nice to see them outside of their comfort zone, however). I think I know where 2nd Story was aiming, and I think they got right near the target, which shows solid muster for the master in this joint. Next step, muster up something with some muscle, and don’t bother asking the brutes for pointers.
| Brewer | 2nd Story Brewing |
| Beer Name | Old City is Burning |
| Brewer’s Description CAPS LOCK! | AROMA OF WOOD SMOKE AND BAKED BREAD. TOASTED MALT FLAVOR WITH A COMPLEX SMOKE CHARACTER THAT LINGERS IN THE FINISH. A TRUE CAMPFIRE BEER. |
| Food Pairings | Brisket poutine with shredded meat plus fried egg |
| Brewer Location | Phlipadelphia, PA |
| Alcohol content by volume | 5.3% |
| IBU (International Bitterness Units) | uhh? |
| Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark) | 3.25 |
| Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns) | 2 |
| Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks | 2 |
| Sausage detection? Y or N | Y, but almost no |
| Beer thickness 1-7 (water – used motor oil) | 3 |
| Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high) | 5.8 |
In west Philidelphia born and raised, on the playground was where I spent most of my days:
