Italians aren’t known for their beer, but the few times that we’ve crossed paths, they seem to deliver smokebeer in good order, so hats off to them. After a ‘who knows how long’ layover at Parti-Pak in Indianapolis, this beer made it to the SBM tabernacle for more waiting. Now that it’s been opened, we’re glad to have found it happy and healthy. The foam head quickly fizzled down to what you see here which is a sign of its age (probably less than 3 years, but still longer than it needs to be), and as far as I can tell, this was the only sign of its age. The aroma draws up notes of Bamberg Germany smoke, Belgian beers, and maybe even a dopplebock in there somewhere which presented beer worthy of big gulps. On the tongue swirls rich, quality beer flavors ranging from malty caramels, smoke, and a touch of bitters for a harmonious experience. Watch out for the sediment in the bottom, but if you’re reading this review, then you gotta be well aware of the threat of yeasty sediment in the bottom of obscure beers like this; no matter how small of a threat it really is, I try to avoid it. Two word review = Its good. Final overall smokestack rating = 5 smokestacks. Cinque (Italian for five smokestacks).
| Brewer | Birra Troll |
| Beer Name | Shangrila Fume’ |
| Brewer’s Description | Loaded amber color is a special version of the Shangrila, less alcoholic and less spicy, which uses a small percentage of turtled malt, usually used by Scottish distilleries. Smoking is very delicate in the nose and gives beer a very intense structure and flavors that evoke the backs of Scottish Whiskey. Designed and made with the purpose of matching with grilled meats. Available only in bottle. |
| Food Pairings | grilled meats |
| Brewer Location | Vernante, Italy |
| Alcohol content by volume | 7.5% |
| Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark) | 3.85 |
| Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns) | 4 |
| Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks | 3.75 |
| Sausage detection? Y or N | N |
| Beer thickness 1-7 (water – used motor oil) | 2.8 |
| Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high) | 5 |
Anybody know whats going on here?
SmokeBeerMinistry 