I did some travelling and got to squeeze in a few impromptu reviews, also, I had to get these typed before I forgetted. Port Huron Brewery, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (I take issue with both names listed above), pieced together this Million Dollar Smoked Maibock for the second time. The first batch was so successful that they made it again, which I read off the menu. And speaking of reading, I had to read the story of the origin of the brewery’s name off the wall with the bartender because she didn’t know why this brewery from Wisconsin Dells was seemingly named after a small town in Michigan (she said it was her second day working there). Together, we learned that Port Huron Steam Traction Engine Company built a 22,000 lb steam engine a long time ago, and somebody who knows somebody who works at this brewery, named the place after this machine. I guess that’s OK. And since we’re learning today; A bock beer is a stronger German ale that apparently translates to the English word goat. And a Maibock is a lighter version of these goat beers. This one in particular is smoked, delivers on the lighter bock agenda, and delivers my palate a number of non-offensive smokebeer flavors. Regardless of my use of redundancies, I’m going to describe this beer as malty, sweet, and smoky (also available on the menu above). Port Huron Brewery was there for me when I sought refuge. During a hike, which is what I do in the Dells when I’m not fraternizing with boat people, I emerged from a woods with no sense of direction, into an industrial zone of sorts, sweating, and with a baby in my arms, I walked into this establishment and drank this smokebeer. Serendipitous. Well, enough of my stories. This beer scored a 4 out of 7 smokestacks. A middle of the road smokebeer. BTW, interesting stuff in the links below.
| Brewer | Port Huron Brewing |
| Beer Name | Million Dollar Smoked Maibock |
| Brewer’s Description | A collaboration brew between Port Huron Brewing Co. & One Barrel Brewing from Madison. This hefty Maibock is brewed with just the right amount of smoked malt to give it a fantastic smoky nose and the right amount of smoky flavor. Dangerously drinkable! Available in spring for a limited time! |
| Food Pairings | Pub grub, cheese curds, pie |
| Brewer Location | Wisconsin Dells, WI |
| Alcohol content by volume | 7% |
| IBU (International Bitterness Units) | no |
| Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark) | 2.8 |
| Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns) | 4.5 |
| Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks | 4.5 |
| Sausage detection? Y or N | N |
| Beer thickness 1-7 (water – used motor oil) | 5 |
| Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high) | 4 |
Brewery link:
Tractor info:
http://www.porthuronbeer.com/?page_id=90
Port Huron Statement wiki link, with a Big Lebowski quote and explanation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Huron_Statement
And, different kinds of bock:
SmokeBeerMinistry 