SmokeBeerMinistry

Brasserie La Baleine – La Gitane – 6 out of 7

Posted on June 11, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

This beer tastes great! I got this one in France with cautious optimism considering that the French aren’t known for their beer, furthermore, I don’t believe I’ve ever even had a French beer. Imagine my surprise when the deep woods German campfire smell stood out above all other smells in this incredible beer, which gets better and better after each sip (monster chug). Contrary to the brewers description, I don’t detect the soft peaty amplitude in the mouth at all. Maybe I don’t have a firm grasp on what the French consider soft amplitude, but I thankfully don’t taste it in the beer. If anything has a soft amplitude its the quickly fizzled head noticeably absent in the picture above although there was still plenty of carbonation packed inside. I have to admit, lackthereof didn’t detract from the experience at all. One thing that added to the experience is the simple fact of this beer’s French origin, so unexpectedly good. La Gitane marks a bold 6 out of 7 smokestacks. I can’t wait to go back to Paris to drink this one again. Brasserie La Baleine, Touche!

Brewer	Brasserie La Baleine
Beer Name	La Gitane
Brewer’s Description	Artisan amber beer brewed with smoked malt and spices. It develops aromas with a soft peaty amplitude in the mouth. Beer brewed traditionally -unfiltered, unpasteurized, malt. Enjoy the Gitane between 12 ° and 14 ° to discover all its flavors. La Brasserie Whale selects the malts and spices. The mixing is done by hand. La Gitane is a high fermentation beer, lively and natural.
Food Pairings	She will accompany your best cheese-based dishes.
Brewer Location	Paris France
Alcohol content by volume	5.0%
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	3
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	No
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	6

For more info, first brush up on your French, then visit:

http://www.brasserie-la-baleine.com/fr/1/accueil/

Another picture for no damn reason at all.

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, drunk, France, La Baleine | Leave a comment

Brauerei Göller – Göller Rauchbier – 6.2 out of 7 smokestacks

Posted on May 30, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

We got a good one here! Bamberg smoke punches you in the nose right off the bat. The color is the Goldilocks hue, not too light, not too dark (although the picture is a bit deceiving due to some lighting issues in the tabernacle), just dark enough to let you know it’s a real beer, but not so dark that it scares away any customers. The flavor comes off a little “not too flavorful” but not too watery either. With this beer being from Germany I wonder why can’t we do this in the States? A few have done really well, like O’Fallon SMOKE and Alaska Smoked Porter, but its all too rare. An un-ordained Ministry official takes issue with the brewers “subtly smokey” description stating “I could chew it at the end.” While I see their point that the smoke power is beyond subtle, I can hardly chew it, and who cares anyway, their opinion doesn’t count until the full on ceremony is conducted which might have to get postponed with outbursts like that. Final Score – 6.2 Smokestacks of happiness on a 7 point scale of smokestacks.

Brewer	Brauerei Göller
Beer Name	Göller Rauchbier
Brewer’s Description	Feinrauchig, spicy, brewed according to an old recipe. Connisseurs will love this regional specialty and easily fall connisseurs beer! (Courtesy of Google Translate)
Food Pairings	Sausages and meats that end in “wurst”
Brewer Location	Wild Garden 12 97475 Zeil am Main (Germany)
Alcohol content by volume	4.9%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	3.8
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	6
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	6
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	6.2

Give them a visit at: http://www.brauerei-goeller.de/brauerei.html

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, beechwood, Germany, Goller | Leave a comment

Talon Extra Select Smoked Double Porter – 3.5 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on April 5, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Awfully foamy (Bad)! No silt (Good)! 10% Alcohol (Good)! I can’t really taste the booze due to all the flavanoids packed in there. This smokebeer is thick like syrup. Just too crowded with flavor for me to enjoy. Its beating up my taste buds. If the band Metallica were a flavor, this would be it, Enter Sandman, repeat 1. This smokebeer is malty and way foamy. There’s a bitterness that sucks all the energy out of my mouth, discouraging my next chug. I’ve gotta focus on putting the rest of this down. I’m getting drunk. I am drunk. I will try the Listerine 21 day challenge after this.

Brewer	Mendocino Brewing Company
Beer Name	Talon Extra Select Smoked Double Porter
Brewer’s Description	Smoked beers require a delicate and a talented brewer to coax the correct balance of flavors from the hops, malts and smoky essences. Fortunately, Mendocino Brewing has several brewers up to the task… Cherry wood smoked malt provides a subtle and smooth sweet smoky flavor to beer. Used in a moderate amount so that it will be a pleasant aftertaste reminiscent of campfire and barbeques.
Food Pairings	Barbecued meats and vegetables, chipotle dishes, pulled pork sandwiches, and anything else with a smoky flavor. Deserts: anything containing dark chocolate.
Brewer Location	Ukiah, CA
Alcohol content by volume	10.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	40
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.4
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	4
Sausage detection? Y or N	No
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3.5
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	3.5

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, boozy, California, cherry wood, double, drunk, Mendocino, porter, Talon | Leave a comment

Pig Minds Brewing – Smokey Scott – 3 out of 7 smokestacks of happiness

Posted on March 30, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

This is a good malty beer, but where is Smokey Scott? He seems to have given up smoking cold turkey. This is a Scottish Ale, not a Scotch Ale; yes there is a difference according to google. If I were to drink this beer blind, I would not have guessed it was a smokebeer. Malty, rich, sweet, and dry. Notice foamy head, but not too foamy, and not a true smokebeer. Final score – 3

Brewer	Pig Minds Brewing
Beer Name	Smokey Scott Scottish Ale
Brewer’s Description	Smokey Scott: 6.9% abv, Scottish Ale. (Missed opportunity here by the brewer to speak for themselves)
Food Pairings	Pub food always sounds good. Try hamburgers.
Brewer Location	Machesney Park, IL
Alcohol content by volume	6.9%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	35
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.2
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1.2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	3

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, Illinois, Pig Minds, Scottish Ale | Leave a comment

Triptych – Smoke Me Out (draft) – 3 out of 7

Posted on March 19, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

This one earns a 3 out of 7 smokestacks. A little below a middle of the road kind of smokebeer, and an elusive one at that. I’ve only seen this once, at Big Grove Tavern, where it was for a few weeks if not less… maybe Triptych felt they were on shaky ground with Smoke Me Out and went ahead and pulled the plug before they got too heavily invested. It tastes like a clone of something that I wish not to give any more publicity to, with maybe a reduction smoked malts, but as you might know, even some of the most successful brewers have a hard time cloning recipes down to the last drop. Temperatures, water quality, and yeast inconsistencies can alter the finished product and I wonder what kind of controls and problems Triptych has in their facility. With that said, believe me, I’m always rooting for the brewer to provide me with the best smoked beer they can possibly produce, no matter how they provide it. Keep going Triptych. Overall Happiness – 3 out of 7.

Brewer	Triptych Brewing
Beer Name	Smoke Me Out
Brewer’s Description	The first porter brewed at Triptych happens to be a Smoked Porter. Along with a traditionally inspired grain bill utilizing a blend of roasted malts, we used a significant proportion of smoked malt from Germany. The result is a dark, complex ale overflowing with notes of toast, roast, dark fruit and (of course!) smoke.
Food Pairings	Go ahead and order the special
Brewer Location	Savoy, IL
Alcohol content by volume	6.1%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	23
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (sad – happy)	3

Learn more at – http://triptychbrewing.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, draft, Illinois, porter, Triptych | Leave a comment

The New Albanian Brewing Co. – Bonfire of the Valkyries – 6.4 out of 7

Posted on March 16, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Oh the taste!

I raised my right eyebrow as I saw the opaque color pour out of this one, followed by polite suspicion considering having not been knocked over by the smell (along with the quickly rising and fizzling head absent from the picture). But then I took one sip and proclaimed, “Oh the taste!” Campfire taste comes right through. Drinkers beware, this may shoot down your taste buds right then and there, but its worth it. Who woulda thought that a small brewery out of of New Albany, Indiana (Louisville KY metro area) could hit the mark so close to Bamberg Germany? I will buy the next Bonfire I see. Excellent work The New Albanian!

Brewer	The New Albanian Brewing Company
Beer Name	Bonfire of the Valkyries
Brewer’s Description	We start with German-style Black Lager, brew it to a higher than normal strength, and use a proportion of beechwood-smoked barley malt. Bonfire demands: “Give me bacon.”
Food Pairings	A plate of delicious smoked meat
Brewer Location	New Albany, IN
Alcohol content by volume	8.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	10
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	6.5
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	6.4

For way too much reading, please visit The Story of the Bonfire of the Valkyries at: http://newalbanian.com/the-story-of-bonfire-of-the-valkyries-2014/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, beechwood, black lager, Indiana, The New Albanian | Leave a comment

Epic Brewing- Smoked Porter – Exponential Series – 3.9 out of 7

Posted on February 6, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

It smells like a smoked porter. I smelled the smoke right off the bat, not too heavy, just a hint. As you know, I’m looking for the smoke factor to fall in the overwhelming category, so this falls short on that end. It reminds me of Stone Smoked Porter, Smoked Porter regular, not Vanilla Bean or Chipotle or Orange, or whatever else the hell they’re putting in their beer this week, (friendly ribbing here). Its a smooth pour with a light tan head on top which reminds me that I have to get a haircut, today, and not in a “I gotta get a haircut and will wait 3 weeks” kind of way. Oh no, I need one now. I sure am thirsty tonight. I’m getting dizzy. I’m looking at buying a house. I’m sleepy. Final overall happiness score = 3.9 Smokestacks out of 7.

Brewer	Epic Brewing
Beer Name	Smoked Porter (Exponential Series)
Brewer’s Description	This nostalgic porter evokes memories of chocolate and coffee around a campfire. The cherry wood smoked malt used in this beer gives it a heavy smokiness that blends smoothly into the chocolate malty body. With a silky finish this porter is ideal for sipping on a cold winter’s eve.
Food Pairings	BBQ and smoked meats.
Brewer Location	825 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Alcohol content by volume	5.9%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	Don’t know (it doesn’t really matter)
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	2
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	3.9

For more info visit Epic Brewing at: http://www.epicbrewing.com or call (801) 906-0123

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, cherry wood, Epic, porter, Utah | Leave a comment

Nils Oscar Company – Rökporter (Smoked Porter) – 5 out of 7 smokestacks

Posted on February 4, 2015 by SmokeBeerMinistry

I barely get to conduct these beer blogs anymore. My job is taking up all my drinking time. This is a pretty good beer. This dark Swedish beer (the Swedes aren’t known for their beer, are they?) comes off smoky, malty, a little ashy and bitter, and I swear there’s a barrel aging involved here but I can’t find any evidence backing up that statement. All the flavors taste well balanced and give me a ‘goes hand in hand’ impression. That’s all I have for this above average smokebeer. Overall happiness factor – 5 out of 7 smokestacks.

Brewer	The Nils Oscar Company AB
Beer Name	Rökporter
Brewer’s Description	The aroma is complex with the character of toffee and dried fruit and smoked charcuterie. A finessrik rökkaraktär penetrates then forward and asking for attention. 80 per cent of the malt Nils Oscar Rökporter is smoked over beechwood. The remaining malt are three kinds of toasted malts in different shades and caramel malt. Nils Oscar Rökporter is spiced with hops varieties Fuggles and Amarillo.
Food Pairings	Grilled piece of meat, stew, BBQ (The verbatim translation is absolutely hilarious)
Brewer Location	Nyköping and Tärnö, Vrena, Sweden
Alcohol content by volume	5.9%
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	4
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (sad – happy)	5

Giggle at the Google translation into English at – http://www.nilsoscar.se/default.aspx?Page=nils_oscar_company&PID=36

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, beechwood, Nils Oscar, porter, Sweden | Leave a comment

Flossmoor Station Brewery – Shadows in the Smoke Smoked Oktoberfest – 3 out of 7

Posted on December 7, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Not much to say about this one. It tastes and smells like a fest beer, where all the left over grain is shoveled into some alcoholic concoction… we celebrate. It’s not a bad beer. Not a lot of smoke (take note of the messenger). Notalotta foam. Notalotta abv. Notalotta fun. Thanks to Flossmoor for giving smoke a shot in an Oktoberfestbier. We look forward to future renditions.

Brewer	Flossmoor Station Brewery
Beer Name	Shadows In The Smoke (Oktoberfest)
Brewer’s Description	Missed opportunity by Flossmoor
Food Pairings	German fare
Brewery Location	Flossmoor, IL
Alcohol content by volume	6.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	3
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	2
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (sad – happy)	3

For moor floss: http://www.flossmoorstation.com/brewery

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, Flossmoor Station, Illinois, Oktoberfest | Leave a comment

Fort Collins Brewery Out of the Ashes Smoked IPA

Posted on December 7, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Posted in Beer | Leave a comment

Dark Horse Brewery – FORE Smoked Stout – 5.7 Smokestacks of Happiness

Posted on December 2, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Here’s a robust, knock your socks off, kind of beer. Fore Smoked Stout wow’d the 3 newly ordained ministers just by watching it pour. It pours like syrup, coating the inside of the glass with a sweet smelling, used motor oil colored libation. So dark that my scientifically designed beer light failed to pass the 1/2 centimeter mark (a true 7 out of 7 Smokestacks in Opacity rating). Tastes that come through include dark chocolate, peanuts, syrup, malt, and peat. A meal in itself with a strong after taste. Incredible. Final score = 5.7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Dark Horse Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Fore Smoked Stout
Brewer’s Description	Number Four – Brewed with all malted barley and peat malt (smoked malt). This beer is full bodied with chocolate, roasted barley flavors, and a smokey almost BBQ finish.
Food Pairings	Ribs
Brewer Location	Marshall, MI
Alcohol content by volume	7.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	22
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	7
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2.75
Sausage detection? Y or N	No
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4.75
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (detention – recess)	5.7

Dark Horse has a good website. video included:

http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/fore-smoked-stout/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, Dark Horse, Michigan, peat, Stout | Leave a comment

O’Fallon – SMOKE – 5.75 Smokestacks of Happiness

Posted on December 2, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

This smokebeer would score higher if The WitchDoctor were running a monarchy, but he isn’t. I’ll let the people speak via quotation marks posted on this website.

“This one clearly made my wife hallucinate.”, “Smooth.”, “Certainly an excellent.”, “Great distribution.”, “Too strong for women of weak nature.”, “Definitely taste the smoked sausage flavor.”, “Campfire!”, “Pretty damn good.”, “A little dark roast coffee flavor too.”

Final score 5.75 Smokestacks of Happiness on a 1-7 smokestack scale.

Brewer	O’Fallon Brewery
Beer Name	SMOKE
Brewer’s Description	Dark, rich and smoky…this classic porter is brewed with 63% German smoked malt and makes a perfect after dinner (or anytime) sipper for those who love a “bigger” beer. Winner of the Gold Medal in the 2004 Great American Beer Festival® for best Smoked Beer in America!
Food Pairings	Chocolate
Brewer Location	O’Fallon, MO
Alcohol content by volume	6.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	24
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5.875 Smokestacks (29.5 SRM)
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	4.75
Sausage detection? Y or N	Yes
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	5.75
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (not – happy)	5.75

They got an alright website:

Smoked Porter

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, beechwood, Missouri, O'Fallon, porter | Leave a comment

Lantz’s – Smoked Porter – 4.5 Smokestacks of Happiness

Posted on December 2, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

“Totally the most awesome beer I’ve ever tasted… like top five!” said one extremely enthusiastic Ministry official who unashamedly backed off his “the most awesome” statement to settle for a “like top five” clairifier. Lantz’s was reviewed by 3 recently ordained ministers and The WitchDoctor at an offsite tasting, hence the unfamiliar Voodoo Altar (which is technically a Hoodoo Altar according to scholars). It’s good beer and should be available in stores soon. It’s good in the same way that Stone Smoked everythings is available coast to coast but somehow never wow’s the Ministry. Comments made include: Good for an up and coming brewer, malty, peaty, smoke presence, looks like Coca-Cola, burns a little going down, good carbonation, and bitter. Keep an eye out for Lantz’s Smoked Porter, and Lucille and Elvis will will keep an eye out for you. Overall Happiness 4.5

Brewer	Lantz
Beer Name	Lantz’s Smoked Porter
Brewer’s Description	Flavor matures on the palate after drinking. Smokiness present but not in a gross way like clothing after a campfire.
Food Pairings	Turkey, Smoked Oysters, cheese and crackers, dip
Brewer Location	New Jersey
Alcohol content by volume	did not disclose
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	did not disclose
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5.125
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2.25
Sausage detection? Y or N	No
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4.25
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (not – happy)	4.5

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Lantz's, New Jersey, peat, porter | Leave a comment

XBeeriment – #44 Whisky Barrel Edition Smoked Stout – 5.8 Smokestacks of Happiness

Posted on November 18, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Let me get this straight, bourbon is made in new charred oak barrels (typically aged at least 6 years), after which, these barrels get shipped off and used to hold and age scotch for another 3 years, and then after that XBeeriment gets a hold of a few of those and puts their #44 beer in it for 3 months. I don’t know how much more this wood has to offer. The 50 CL bottle poured out and left a quickly fizzling 1/4 inch tall George Hamilton head, leaving just traces which you see in the picture. The smell of smoke comes through at an honest 4 out of 7 Smokestacks. The taste also charts a 4 Smokestacks, and also prompted me to say, “Hey, this is a good beer.” Maybe the thrice used barrels are the key to success here, which is surprising considering how often barrel aging ruins beers. Beware of the silt floaties and sinkies, however. Using proper pouring techniques can minimize any floaty concerns. It’s got the flavors of a robust burly bruiser beer but not on the immense level one might hope for. Tasty, good, 5.8 Smokestacks of Overall Happiness.

Brewer	Xbeeriment
Beer Name	#44 Whiskey Barrel Edition
Brewer’s Description	Brewed to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States- a roasty, smoky (thanks to the inclusion of peated malt), and potent stout , with loads of citrusy notes from the US hop varieties.
Food Pairings	Greasy burgers with egg
Brewer Location	Roskilde, Denmark (by Herslev Bryghus)
Alcohol content by volume	7.7%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	35
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5.9
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	4
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	5.8

Are these guys still a thing? Follow the dead end I found here:

http://www.brewerydb.com/brewery/Qywqcj

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, barrel aged, Denmark, Stout, X Beeriment | 1 Comment

Evil Twin Brewing – Ashtray Heart Smoked Porter – 5.5 Smokestacks

Posted on November 12, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Smells like a roasted porter, but not so much like a smoked porter. Ashtray, as unappetizing as it may sound is fairly accurate considering the malty, roasted, ashy taste. Sweetness also comes through and makes me smile a bit. And that sweetness is Ashtray Hearts saving grace, along with the 8.9% abv. Boozy, roasted, sweetness. Evil Twin gets an extra 0.5 in overall happiness just because of the description on the side of the bottle. Interesting sheen left on the glass. Good grownup peoples beer. Overall Happiness 5.5 smokestacks:)

Brewer	Evil Twin Brewing
Beer Name	Ashtray Heart Smoked Porter
Brewer’s Description	Amazingly rich, seductively dark and smoking good. Yes a real heartbreaker. We recommend only the truly skillful, heavyweight beer champions to battle this awfully irresistible and potent smoked Stout. Careful this satisfactory product might give you a Placebo effect.
Food Pairings	Tobacco
Brewer Location	Two Roads Brewing Stratford, CT
Alcohol content by volume	8.9%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	29
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.4
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	5.5

Evil Twin is a gypsy brewer:

http://eviltwin.dk/

And their friends at Two Roads Brewing are into that:

Two Roads Brewing

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, boozy, Connecticut, Evil Twin, gypsy, porter, Two Roads Brewing | Leave a comment

Ölvisholt Brugghús – LAVA Smoked Imperial Stout – 4 Smokestacks

Posted on November 9, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

I smell the stout, but struggle to find the smoked stout. Great looking bottle with the erupting volcano on it which is one of the three things that I know about Iceland. This beer has no real head rising up, just a thin ring around the edge of the glass. It pours DARK, but not the darkest I’ve ever seen. The light on my phone can shine through a solid half centimeter or so around the edge. Robust, roasted, malty, slick, ashy taste failing to wow me. Lots of taste, but void of that campfire smoked meat taste I like so much. I’m glad I got a 750 mL bottle, which happens to be 9.4% abv, because since there isn’t going to be a taste payoff, there had better be an inebriation payoff = increases units of happiness. This beer has a big taste with legitimate rights to their use of the word smoke, but it’s not for everyone. I look forward to Olvisholts next take of another smokebeer. And, no silt! Maybe I’m being too nice on this one. Final Overall Happiness factor: 4 Smokestacks

Brewer	Ölvisholt Brugghús
Beer Name	LAVA Smoked Imperial Stout
Brewer’s Description	Lava hefur algjöra sérstöðu í bjórframleiðslu hér á landi og reyndar á heimsvísu. Lava er kolsvart öl en liturinn kemur frá dökkristuðu malti sem hefur verið brennt á svipaðan hátt og kaffibaunir. Markmið bruggmeistarans var að gera bjór sem hefði mikla sérstöðu. Upphaflega var Lava framleiddur fyrir Svíþjóð en ákveðið var eftir að framleiðsla hófst að setja Lava í reynslusölu hjá ATVR sem gekk vonum framar. Lava er eins og gott vín, hann batnar á flöskunni í 3 ár sé hann geymdur á köldum stað.
Food Pairings	Hangikjöt
Brewer Location	Selfoss, Iceland
Alcohol content by volume	9.4%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.75
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	2
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	4

Brewer’s description translation: Lava has a very special place in the beer production in this country and indeed globally. Lava is kolsvart ale the color turns from dark roasted malt which has been roasted in a similar manner as coffee beans. The goal of the Master’s Brewery was making beer that had unique. Originally produced for Lava Sweden but it was decided after production began putting Lava experience in sales Monopoly that went beyond expectations. Lava is like a good wine, it improves the bottle for 3 years if it is stored in a cool place.

Learn more Icelandic words at:

https://brugghus.is/index.php/is/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Ölvisholt Brugghús, boozy, Iceland, imperial, Stout | Leave a comment

Matten – La Schwortz Biere noire Stout – 3 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on November 8, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Whoa. Ashy. Darkness. Smells like smoke (2 out of 7 smokestacks in smokepower). Carbonated. Makes me burpy. Heavy carbonated. Big bubbles on the George Hamilton head = more burps. Notice the label got all wrinkly because it went on a long, crazy trip for a week in a cooler where it didn’t get opened. So anyway, its got a musty, malty, ashy taste. Could the pound of pistachios I just ate be adding to the carbonation? As soon as this beer hits my teeth, whoom! Carbonation! I brought this one back from France… maybe its available in the US, I don’t know. This beer had a clear runway and kinda crashed. On the bright side, no silt = a good thing. The second half of this beer was better than the first half. Overall Happiness = 3 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Matten
Beer Name	La Schwotrz Biere noire Stout
Brewer’s Description	Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole Paris 2014. Fourquet Silver Salon du Brasseur, 2011 St. Nicolas de Port. A stout has been called The Schwortz. Sweet and savory flavors of malts where very roasted dominate. For dark beer lovers. P.S. Tasteless beer lovers: go your way.
Food Pairings	Snails
Brewer Location	France
Alcohol content by volume	5.8%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	7
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	3

Yeah, I’ve been to France. Visit Matten at:

http://www.matten.fr/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, France, Matten, Matzenheim, schwarzbier, Stout | Leave a comment

Vintage Brewing Co. – The Grodz – Smoked Wheat Beer – 5 out of 7

Posted on November 4, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Vintage Brewing Co. is a brew pub that has popped up on Madison’s radar for high quality since they first opened. They have a fairly dependable set of regular customers and an even more dependable beer menu when looking for either a crowd-pleaser or the more obscure beers like the grätzer beer “The Grodz,” which is on the hot seat today. First off, this is a grätzer beer which is a kind of smokebeer, Polish in origin (I think) and typically identifiable by its wheat composition, light color, and light taste. Grätzer’s are the shandy’s of the smokebeer world. They are great to throw down on hot summer days when stuck doing yard work, as an orange juice substitute at breakfast, or to alternate in between regular beer when you’re trying to slow the party train down. Whatever the occasion, you might find yourself in the same camp as The Ministry where the consensus is that this is a good (5 out of 7) grätzer, but only a mediocre smokebeer (4 out of 7). It’s like trying to compare Modelo, Pacifico, or Corona with anything that Germany produces. There’s a time and a place for this beer, and because of that, the conditional 5 out of 7 Smokestacks is issued.

Brewer	Vintage Brewing Co.
Beer Name	The Grodz Smoked Wheat Beer
Brewer’s Description	Brewed regionally since the Middle Ages but nearly forgotten today, the Grodziskie (aka Grätzer) style oak-smoked wheat beer hails from western Poland. Light, crisp and refreshing, yet full of flavor and accented by a distinctive smokiness, The Grodz makes a great session beer!
Food Pairings	Deep fried cheese curds
Brewer Location	Madison, WI
Alcohol content by volume	3.6%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	22
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	1
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	4 AND 5*

Yeah, these folks are alright:

Home

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, gratzer, oak, Vintage Brewing, wheat, Wisconsin | Leave a comment

Karben4 – Night Call: Smoked Porter (draft) – 3 Smokestacks out of 7

Posted on November 3, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

The brewer Karben4 does a pretty okay job in the brewers description. Phrases like “subtle smoke” point out that The Ministry is going to rate the smokepower taste a 1 out of 7 Smokestacks, and “creates new fans of dark beer” alludes to a genre I call gateway smokebeer indicating that this beer might be able to encourage disciples to reach out and connect with smokier and smokier beers en route to a deeper, more sophisticated palate. This might be the case where a new brewer finds itself hesitant to make a bold and aggressive concoction, opting for safer waters until a trusted name is established (and a few loans are paid off). Furthermore, the smell was a pleasant, although faint, campfire tone, clocking in at 3 out of 7. And speaking of faint, the smokepower taste is honestly too faint to rate for even a 1 out of 7, but that’s as low as the scale goes, so 1 it is. In conclusion, Karben4 did some things okay, but hit the smokepower target a little low.

Brewer	Karben4
Beer Name	Night Call: Smoked Porter
Brewer’s Description	Robust all day without dictating your life, this is the porter that other dark beers hang a poster of on their own bedroom wall. Malt sweetness is just present enough to enhance the dark chocolate and roasted coffee flavors without destroying the drinkability. This brew provides a subtle smoke profile that simultaneously creates new fans of dark beer and tames the beast inside the bold-beer aficionado.
Food Pairings	Brats
Brewer Location	Madison, WI
Alcohol content by volume	6.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	20
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	No
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	3

They put some effort into the website:

https://www.karben4.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, draft, Karben4, porter, Wisconsin | Leave a comment

Aecht Schlenkerla – Oak Smoke Eiche Dopplebock – 7 out of 7 smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Here’s the granddad smokebeer of all smokebeers. This is what I’m looking for in every beer that I drink, no matter how unlikely finding its equal may be. The smoky smells upon opening are apparent right from the start, where I encourage all to close your eyes and breathe deeply. This will undoubtedly conjure up illusions of warm baths heated by burning oak logs inside a cozy winter snow covered mountainside log cabin, surrounded by concubines feeding you grapes. The lighter hue and sweetness of this beer seems to add luxury to every sip. It’s hard to justify drinking anything else. Overall Happiness: 7 out of 7.

Brewer	Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche
Beer Name	Doppelbock Oak Smoke
Brewer’s Description	While for the classic “Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier” traditionally beech has been – and still is – used, the malt for “Schlenkerla Oak Smoke” is kilned with oak wood. The resulting Oak Smoke Malt has a smoother and more multi layered complex smoky note than the intensely aromatic Beech Smoke Malt. Multifaceted bitterness of finest Hallertau aroma hops. Amber in color, it matures for months in the cellars underneath Bamberg; a special treat for smoke beer lovers for Christmas.
Food Pairings	Meats, cheese, nuts.
Brewer Location	Bamberg, Germany
Alcohol content by volume	8.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	40
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	3
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	6
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	6
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	7

I’m drawn to this place like Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters of the Third Kind:

http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 7!, Aecht Schlenkerla, Germany, oak | Leave a comment

Aecht Schlenkerla – Helles Lagerbier – 4 out of 7 smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Above is a bottle with the older label for Helles (Light) Lagerbier from Schlenkerla Brewery. This is important to note because this one may have been on a shelf for a year or two before I got a hold of it, which I think added to the smoke flavor. When drinking the one above I noted that the smokepower was remarkable considering no smoked ingredients were used in the brewing process, and smoke notes were only residuals from nearby equipment and processes taking place around the facility at Schlenkerla. Although it scored low (1’s and 2’s), I still found that a pleasantly surprising result. It seems counter intuitive to me to think that the smoke flavor gets stronger over time, because based on my tastings, the bottles with the newer labels that I see in stores today (with a darker blue and red trim around the edges of the label) are tasting with virtually no smoke at all. The brewer notes that “some samples having residual smoke character” must account for the discrepancy so I feel lucky to have gotten one of those samples, but certainly no changes have taken place on the brewing side of things, so what am I to conclude? At one particular tasting that included the newer labeled bottles one Ministry official noted that it was too light for his smokebeer palate. It’s an enigma. I will drink this beer again. Final score 4 out of 7.

…Here’s a picture of both. Also, be sure to run over the scores and brewer’s notes.

Brewer	Aecht Schlenkerla
Beer Name	Helles Lagerbier
Brewer’s Description	“Schlenkerla Helles” is brewed with fine Bavarian aroma hops from the area around the city of Nürnberg. It’s lagered in century old caves underneath the historic Schlenkerla brewery and maltings. Schlenkerla Helles is boiled in the same copper kettles and bottom fermented by the same yeast as the historic Schlenkerla Smokebeer. Its subtle smokiness without using smoke malt makes “Helles Schlenkerla Lager” a unique representative of the classic lager beer style “Bavarian Helles”. Editor’s note: Since this is not intended as a smoked beer, and is not billed as such, it has been classed here as a Helles, despite some samples having residual smoke character.
Food Pairings	Meats, cheese, nuts.
Brewer Location	Bamberg, Germany
Alcohol content by volume	4.3%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	30
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	1
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	4

Momma I’m coming home:

http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Aecht Schlenkerla, Germany, helles, lager, light | Leave a comment

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier – Marzen – 7 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

My first sip of this was like a punch in the jaw. After which I found myself in pursuit, chasing this beer down, for the rest of my life. I understand The Marzen’s reasoning, “How dare someone with a passion for smoked flavors drink anything else?” Sometimes your big brother has to call you out from time to time, “You’re drinking Coors light? What, is the water too flavorful? You’re embarrassing yourself and your family.” Anytime The Marzen walks into a same bar that I’m in, it is summoned to my table where I show it gratitude for setting me straight. Sometimes the only way you can get through to these kids is with tough love. It’s not for everybody, this. But if you’ve never taken yourself to the absolute edge, then my friend, you have never lived. Overall Happiness Rating: 7 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
Beer Name	Marzen
Brewer’s Description	Aecht Original Schlenkerla Marzen Smokebeer, considered the classic example in its category, has been brewed for centuries in the baroque town of Bamberg in Franconia (Bavaria/Germany). Following the most ancient malting traditions, all its select barley malts are kilned over a fire of beech wood logs at the Schlenkerla maltings. Brewed in classic copper vessels and matured for months in historic cellars, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier is a truly unique smoky beer experience.
Food Pairings	Meats, cheese, nuts.
Brewer Location	Bamberg, Germany
Alcohol content by volume	5.1%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	30
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	7
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	7
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	7

This is the motherland of smokebeer:

http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 7!, Aecht Schlenkerla, beechwood, Germany, marzen | 1 Comment

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier – Urbock – 7 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Drink three of these and you’ll get that same feeling you’ll get when you’re out camping and you realize that sitting by the campfire has saturated your entire body with that wonderful campfire smell. No rules out here in the woods. Drink at your own pace, until you’ve had your fill, until you’ve told all your jokes. Sure, throw another log on the fire, sure, balance an unopened can of light beer on top of the fire, sure, don’t tell anyone and wait to see what happens. No Rules! This mature beer awaits those who seek truth in flavor. Notes of campfire waft up and singe the nostrils, and it feels good. Robust campfire smoke flavor rushes to warm your entire body. Some people don’t feel worthy of love, but Aecht Schlenkerla embraces us all. Overall smokestack rating = 7 out of 7.

Brewer	Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
Beer Name	Urbock
Brewer’s Description	Aecht Schlenkerla Urbock is the complex sibling of the classic Maerzen Smokebeer. Exactly like the classic all its barley malts are smoked over beech wood logs. Its higher smokemalt concentration and longer maturation in the 700 year old cellars underneath Bamberg create a taste profile of most intense smokiness beautifully balanced with deep malt sweetness.
Food Pairings	The Host
Brewer Location	Bamberg, Germany
Alcohol content by volume	6.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	40
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	7
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	7
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	7

Water into wine? close enough:

http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 7!, Aecht Schlenkerla, beechwood, Germany, urbock | Leave a comment

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier – Weizen – 6 of 7 smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Without Schlenkerla, none of this would have been possible. I’m starting to tear up just thinking about them. The Ministry reviewed Schlenkerla’s Weizen at two separate gatherings and produced slightly different results. One point of disconnect seems to be that the charts used were either mislabeled or the beers came out in the wrong order. Whatever the snafu, Josh offered up one of our more memorable quotes “It’s like sucking on a campfire log.” This is the same Josh who gave Stone’s Vanilla Smoked Porter the highest rating possible, so we know his judgement is a bit off, which may also have given skewed results. Furthermore, after a few beers, all participants judgement may have been cloudy as well. Given the notes I have in hand, clouded judgement may very well have been the case; for instance, “The label is badass”, “German smoky”, “one charcoal easy on the bratwurst”, and “strength and tastiness fight each other in my mouth.” I’ll give this one another look when it comes back around, but until then, I will stand behind the Overall Happiness factor of 6 out of 7 smokestacks.

Brewer	Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
Beer Name	Weizen
Brewer’s Description	Brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot 1516
Food Pairings	Streusel
Brewer Location	Bamberg, Germany
Alcohol content by volume	5.2%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	20
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	5
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	6

700 years of refinement logged here:

http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, Aecht Schlenkerla, Germany, wheat | Leave a comment

Alaskan Brewing Co. – Smoked Porter – 6 smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Here’s a good one! Dark, but not too dark. Smell = Strong. Sausage = Present. Tastes a little watery which is great if you’re really thirsty. On the back of the throat its a little ashy. Could the ashy come from smoking it a little too long? Direct or indirect smoking?, that’s what I gotta get to the bottom of. Taste = Good. Notes of a little earthy peat. Final score = 6 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Alaskan Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Smoked Porter
Brewer’s Description	Gold Medal Winner. We’ve applied the Alaskan tradition of alder-smoking to the malts of this rich, intensely flavored porter, a recognized leader among the world of smoked beers. Enjoy it now or age it for several years.
Food Pairings	Smoked seafood, cheese (bleu), vanilla ice cream, raspberries, cheesecake, other robust foods, and as an after-dinner drink.
Brewer Location	Juneau, AK
Alcohol content by volume	6.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	45
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6 (92 SRM)
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	6
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	5
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	6

Top notch beer, top website, and claims to have introduced smokebeers to the US, For that Alaskan Brewing, The Ministry thanks you:

Smoked Porter

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, Alaska, Alaskan Brewing, peat, porter | Leave a comment

BFM – Biere Ambree Parfume au Tarry Suchong – 5 Smokestacks of Happiness (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

BFM Biere Ambree Parfumee au Tarry Suchong, which translates to Beer Amber and Perfume of Terry Bradshaw. Smells like a wheat beer to me… which is a very pleasant aroma, and I’m sure is a much better smell than Terry Bradshaw. This happens to be one of two smoked w/ tea leaf beers that I’ve reviewed to date, so I guess it’s pretty rare. The beer also sips like a wheat beer, or even a barley wine with half the alcohol. The smoke makes its presence known from the start (so you shouldn’t have to stick your nose down the glass to find it.) And the color reminds me of great aunt Irma’s red hairdo from Easter Sunday 1984, who also smells like smoke. And just as everything was going fine, I stumble across silt. Fortunately, I was employing my secretive pouring technique which mitigated the potential disaster. Final Happiness Score = 5 Smokestacks.

Brewer	BFM
Beer Name	Biere Ambree Parfume au Tarry Suchong
Brewer’s Description	This beer is inspired by the aromas of the legendary asphalt mines of the Swiss Travers region. Brewmaster Jerome has long been captivated by the fragrances he observed while wandering the mining tunnels, so he set out to evoke them in this beer. Brewed with smoked tea leaves, and smoked malt from Bamberg. Hallertauer Magnum hops, Tettnanger Hallertauer (flavor), and Lapsong Tarry Suchong tea leaves from China.
Food Pairings	Fondue
Brewer Location	Saignelegier, Switzerland
Alcohol content by volume	6.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	gotta be like a 10
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	3
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	2
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5

They seem legit:

http://www.brasseriebfm.ch/en

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, asphalt, BFM, Switzerland, tea, wheat | Leave a comment

Big Muddy Brewing – 17ST Smoked Amber Ale – 4 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

It’s got a pig on the front, which is great because it reminds me of how much I liked the Charkoota Rye beer by New Holland that was in the very first smokebeer tasting that The Ministry ever held. However, these beers are fairly different. 17ST Smoked Amber Ale is brewed with malted barley smoked over cherry wood. Once poured into a glass it held a decent brown-amber color along with a noticeable smoky smell (smoked pig) with staying power. The taste is a little watery which could also be described as thirst quenching, making it a great refreshing beer for hot Houston summers. Recommended dosage: Two bombers. I don’t have to be challenged every time I drink a beer. Overall Happiness rating: 4 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Big Muddy Brewing
Beer Name	17ST Smoked Amber
Brewer’s Description	Our Smoked Amber Ale, created and brewed for us by Big Muddy Brewing in Murphysboro, is now available in 22 oz. bottles in liquor stores across Illinois and select states. Brewed with hops smoked over cherry wood, this beer was created to complement barbecue.
Food Pairings	Barbecue
Brewer Location	Murphysboro, IL
Alcohol content by volume	5.6%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	15
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	PIG (Y)
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	4

Not the best website. No mention of 17st Smoked Amber Ale at:

http://bigmuddybrewing.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, ale, amber, Big Muddy, cherry wood, Illinois | Leave a comment

Buffalo Bayou Brewing – Smoke On The Bayou – 2 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Houston’s Awesome (which references Houston’s underground city slogan “Fuck You, Houston’s Awesome!) So is the barbecue at Beaver’s and Goode Company (awesome). Buffalo Bayou is an awesome name. This beer has a great name, cool waxed cap, and “Smoke” written in bold letters right on the front of the bottle, (which makes it very easy to find when scanning shelf after shelf of beer hunting for just one more smokebeer.) One thing that this beer does not have is any hint of smoke. Smoke in name only. Slight changes in the formula have been introduced and therefore The Ministry would be happy to revisit this one, but probably only as a scotch ale, and only if Beaver’s or Goode’s caters the event. Final score 2 out of 7.

Brewer	Buffalo Bayou Brewing
Beer Name	Smoke on the Bayou
Brewer’s Description	A song only our great city can sing. We set out to craft a beer that could only be made in Houston – something that couldn’t be replicated anywhere else on the planet, even in a laboratory. We smoked our malt at Beaver’s, Goode Company and Rockwell’s Tavern up in Cypress, and blended those malts as the base for a strong scotch ale. Houston’s BBQ scene is literally infused in the malt of this beer.
Food Pairings	Barbecue, Beef, Smoked Meat, Game, Grilled Meat
Brewer Location	Houston, Texas
Alcohol content by volume	8.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	20
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	2

Here’s their website:

http://www.buffbrew.com/

And the link to the other Buffalo Bayou beer review which included a do-over review, and a barrel aged version:

https://smokebeerministry.wordpress.com/2016/07/29/buffalo-bayou-smoke-on-the-bayou-bourbon-barrel-3-out-of-7/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 2 - 3, Buffalo Bayou, scotch ale, Texas | 1 Comment

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company – Smoked Porter – 4 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company – Smoked Porter. The campfire smell stands up right off the bat. It looks a little lighter than Coca-Cola. Pours well, virtually no head, but was just fine with carbonation on the tongue. Presents a respectable smokepower taste, but not the strongest around. The smell really carries the beer. The taste is missing something, however. On the back of the throat I get a bit of a tart hoppiness flavor. And NO SILT:) Feel free to just dump it right down into your glass. Things I look for on labels (when scanning entire walls of beers): Images of barrels, logs, campfires, and some form of the word smoke. This bottle has all of those. Honest beer. Overall Happiness: 4 out of 7 Smokestacks

Brewer	Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Smoked Porter
Brewer’s Description	A complex beer, with layers of flavors unfolding as this beer slides down your throat. Before the introduction of indirect-fired malt kilns, all beers had a smoky flavor. Today only a handful of brewers produce beer reminiscent of those of the past. We use imported German smoked malt to add depth and complexity to our Smoked Porter.
Food Pairings	Smoked or grilled meats
Brewer Location	Elmsford, New York
Alcohol content by volume	6.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	45
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	5
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	4

Take a closer look?

Home

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Captain Lawrence, New York, porter | Leave a comment

Clown Shoes – Vampire Slayer Imperial American Stout BOTTLE – 6 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Here’s a great concept beer. Smoked with vampire killing stakes (although its unknown if the stakes were ever used to kill vampires, or if the stakes came from an unused stash of stakes that some vampire apocalypse prepper had set aside for beer brewing purposes). This is a great example of how lack of smokepower smell and taste doesn’t necessarily hurt the Overall Happiness factor handed down by The Ministry. High concept, dark beer, some element of wit, and a stouty and flavorful delivery can work together to make up for any missing wafts of campfire smell and missing peaty or charcoal tastes. Someone who doesn’t know smokebeers wouldn’t soon wise up to the fact that they had been fed a smokebeer, and it wouldn’t matter anyway, at 10% abv, they would be too busy partying to care. Ministry tasting quotes: “Tasty,” “Good”, “I want more”, “Maybe needs faucet”, and “We must have a cheap TV” Please ask Ted for quote interpretation. Overall happiness factor: 6 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Clown Shoes
Beer Name	Vampire Slayer Imperial American Stout
Brewer’s Description	In a world full of uncertainty, hardships, and people trying to hold us back, do we need vampires? Clown Shoes says, “No! Die, monsters, die!” Incorporating dark malts, holy water, and malt smoked locally with hickory, ash, and vampire killing stakes.
Food Pairings	Blood sausage (unconfirmed)
Brewer Location	Ipswich, MA
Alcohol content by volume	10.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	89
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	7
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	No
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	2
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	6

Looks like they got into some hot water (unholy water) with the name here. Read about their lawsuit at:

https://www.clownshoesbeer.com/?s=vampire

And then there’s the home page, which will probably stick around for a good while:

Home

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, ash, boozy, Clown Shoes, Hickory, imperial, Massachusetts, Stout | Leave a comment

Boulevard Brewing Co. – Dark Truth Stout – 6 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

“My mouth just took a detour to flavor country,” which was somebody quoting something (probably Ted quoting The Simpsons) during a Ministry tasting. Purists might not consider this a smokebeer, but in the brewers description they have included the term “smoky finish” so it made it into a tasting and into the tabernacle. Brewer’s description = Verbose = forgiven (we are on WordPress after all). Dark Truth Stout holds a pleasant fruity smell, almost tiptoeing around and tricking one into taking the tiniest of sips, only to reveal an acid trip of the beer world, unlocking doors and opening chambers of euphoric flavor with, just as the description states, a smoky finish. Another great example of a beer that does not rank high in smokepower smell (1 out of 7) or smokepower taste (1 out of 7), but still comes away with a very positive review from The Ministry. Final Happiness Factor: 6 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Boulevard Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Dark Truth South
Brewer’s Description	Throughout the ages, man has been fascinated by the quest for hidden knowledge, the search for the secret to transforming the elemental into the extraordinary, the simple into the sublime. Ladies and gentlemen, we present for your consideration this exotic, inky concoction, the almost magical creation of our modern day alchemists who have turned humble grains—barley, wheat, rye, and oats—into black, liquid gold. Layers of complex flavors slowly emerge from the glass: espresso, roasted fig, crème brulée. Belgian yeast provides a plum-like fruitiness, noble German hops reveal spicy, herbal notes, while the rich, velvety feel mellows to a dry, smoky finish.
Food Pairings	Aged cheddar and smoked cheeses, biscuits & gravy, chocolate, fish & chips, roasted veggies.
Brewer Location	Kansas City, MO
Alcohol content by volume	9.7%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	60
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	7
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	6

Approach the gate with your ID ready:

https://boulevard.com/age-verify/?r=https://boulevard.com

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 6 - 7, boozy, Boulevard, Missouri, Stout | Leave a comment

Flying Dog Brewery – Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout – 5 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Ale brewed with oysters. Not sure if this counts as a smokebeer, but it was another one recommended by the trustworthy community leader at D&Q in Houston, and he described this as a smokebeer, right or wrong. Some samples of this that I have had come out smokier than others, and this last one came out a little ashy. Another Flying Dog beer that I’ve had, Dog Schwarz, was tasted at the 1st smokebeer tasting The Ministry ever held, and the memories are still strong, and the Schwarz came out more highly favored… maybe this blog will help convince Flying Dog to drum up another batch of that one. Towards the tail end of this oyster stout, the taste comes out sweet. Instructions: drink a couple of beers, next, get out the oyster stout, then drink and review. Overall Happiness: 5 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Flying Dog
Beer Name	Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout
Brewer’s Description	Pearl Necklace is brewed with local Rappahannock River Oysters and is the perfect compliment to everyone’s favorite aphrodisiac – whether they are grilled, fried, stuffed, or raw.Drink beer and restore the Bay! Proceeds from Pearl Necklace benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership, which coordinates and conducts oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay.
Food Pairings	Oysters
Brewer Location	Fredrick, Maryland
Alcohol content by volume	5.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	35
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	2
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	5

Sure wish they’d bring back Dog Schwarz:

http://flyingdogbrewery.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, ale, drunk, Flying Dog, Maryland, not a smokebeer, oyster stout | Leave a comment

Fort Collins Brewery – Out of the Ashes Smoked Rye Porter – 5 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

George Burns may not be here now, but I can tell he just left. This dark (6 of 7) Smoked Rye Porter comes off a little tart on the back of the tongue. BTW, I’m drinking when I do these reviews, obviously, let me start over. I’ve usually been drinking, plenty, and now is one of those times I’ve been drinking. I taste ash… My friend Manuel called and I had to stop the review in the middle and run down to the pub to kick it with him. I put plastic wrap over the glass and put it in the fridge, but it’s okay now. Sounds like Manuel is having a baby. Please don’t spread this around, he hasn’t told anybody yet. After 2 hrs this beer = still good. Overall smokestack metric = 5 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Fort Collins Brewery
Beer Name	Out of the Ashes
Brewer’s Description	An old world style of porter is appropriate as the season gets colder. With a fuller bodied brown porter, we included three types of rye: Chocolate, Flaked and Malted, to intertwine with Saaz hops to add a warming spice complimented by a supple smoke blend of cherry and apple woods.
Food Pairings	Baby back ribs
Brewer Location	Fort Collins, Colorado
Alcohol content by volume	5.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	28
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	5
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	6
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	5

Looks like they keep the site up to the minute:

http://fortcollinsbrewery.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, applewood, cherry wood, Colorado, drunk, Fort Collins, porter, rye | Leave a comment

Great Divide Brewing Co. – Smoked Baltic Porter – 4 out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Yeah, I know about this one. It’s average. They used all the right ingredients, but not quite enough for my palate. I look forward to trying this one again because I bet they’re going to amp it up in the near future. Denver is nice this time of year. I wonder what Peyton is up to these days? Overall smoke metric = 4 smokestacks.

Brewer	Great Divide Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Smoked Baltic Porter
Brewer’s Description	Smoked Baltic Porter is the sultry sister of a storied style. Brewed with traditional German malts and hops, this dark lager gets its special twist from a hefty addition of Bamberg smoked malt. Smoldering, medium-bodied, smooth, smoky, dark, and mysterious lager.
Food Pairings	Grilled veal bratwurst, BBQ shrimp.
Brewer Location	Denver, CO
Alcohol content by volume	7.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	31
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	4
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	4
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness: 1-7 (low – high)	4

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Baltic, Colorado, Great Divide Brewing, porter | Leave a comment

HaandBryggeriet – ‘norwegian wood’ – 5.5 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

This traditional Norwegian smoked ale with juniper twigs and berries garnered some Ooh’s and Aah’s when the “pretty autumn color” poured into everyone’s taster glass. Then some frowns cropped up when the subtle charcoal smoky smells were breathed in. I’ve got quite a list of quotes here from The Ministry, although I am skeptical that anyone will be able to take any direction from them, “Red woody, sour but goody”, “Juniper”, “Autumn color”, “Julie Anne Moore hair color”, “Shatner LewisCK”, “Nutty”, “Great aroma, great color, good.” What matters the most is the taste; and those scores came out on the high end in Overall Happiness: 5.5 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Haand Bryggeriet
Beer Name	‘norwegian wood’
Brewer’s Description	Once every farm was required to brew its own ale (and many still do), all of that ale had a natural smoky taste from kilning the malt over open fire, and most of it was spiced with juniper twigs and berries. Made from smoked malt, munich malt, crystal and chocolate malt.
Food Pairings	Barbecue, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Beef, Smoked Meat, Game, Grilled Meat, Salmon
Brewer Location	Brammen, Norway
Alcohol content by volume	6.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	35
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	4
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	4
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5.5

They’re on Facebook, that’s all I could gather from their website:

Haandbryggeriet

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, ale, Haandbryggeriet, juniper, Norway | Leave a comment

HaandBryggeriet – Røyk Uten ild (Smoke Without Fire) – 4.5 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

This Norwegian smoked ale is probably as brown as brown can get before turning black. And given that it is so dark, you must watch out for the silt, because it is in there, laying dormant, ready for you to look the other way right at the tail end of the pour from the bottle, and then HELL! Fortunately I used my patent pending pouring technique mitigating the disaster. There’s a little sourness to it. Maybe the sourness is hiding the smokiness, because the Brewer’s description boasts 86% malt bill, which sounds high I guess, but I know there are smokier beers out there. Well, I like it because it has alcohol and is smoky. Final Happiness 4.5 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Haand Bryggeriet
Beer Name	Røyk Uten ild (Smoke Without Fire)
Brewer’s Description	Røyk Uten Ild (smoke without fire) is our smoky beer, here we have tried to make a beer as smoky as we can using our smoked malt from Weiermann. We have made a fairly dark and flavourful beer. Apart from the special malt the rest of the malt bill (86%) is smoked malt. You could also say that this is a smoked wheat beer, because we have used our wheat beer yeast here. The beer is not scary but actually very nice even for those that aren’t smoke beer fanatics….try it and you will see.
Food Pairings	Barbecue, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Beef, Smoked Meat, Game, Grilled Meat, Salmon
Brewer Location	Brammen, Norway
Alcohol content by volume	8.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	33
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	4.5

I cain’t read nuthin! at:

Haandbryggeriet

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, ale, Haandbryggeriet, Norway, wheat | Leave a comment

Jester King – CENSORED Pecan Wood Smoked Saison – 5 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

AKA Pecan Wood Salt Lick. Upon opening I poured a little bit into my glass and like a possessed demon, the foam rose all the way up to the rim of my glass. It was probably 3/4 foam. So, I waited for that to die down a bit and tried to carefully pour a little more into the glass, and nope, more foam, all the way up to the top. At this point I took a sniff or two and there was smoke right at the top, didn’t have to try too hard although it is on the mild side of smokepower (3 out of 7 Smokestacks). The light color (2 of 7) looks like a healthy wheat beer. And the taste delivers smoke right away too (5 out of 7). Then after a few minutes, the smell moves (or my nose moves) over to more floral and fruity notes. This helps keep your taste buds in the game all the way to the end of the beer, which you can’t always count on in the smokebeer world. I find it a little stingy on the back of the throat which I attribute to the souring bacteria Jester King threw into the pot (that can’t be good, can it?). And, as I got down to the second half of the bottle, the color started darkening due to silt at the bottom getting mixed in, which also, changed the taste a bit. Final thought: $10.99 for a champagne bottle isn’t a bad price. Overall Happiness: 5 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Jester King
Beer Name	Censored
Brewer’s Description	First cam the witches, and soon after there were vampires…
Food Pairings	barbecue
Brewer Location	Austin, TX
Alcohol content by volume	6.7%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	couldn’t be more than 20
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	2
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	5
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5

This place makes lots of beer:

http://jesterkingbrewery.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, Jester King, Pecan, pilsner, saison, salted, Texas, wheat | Leave a comment

Karbach Brewing Co. – Pontificator Smoked Dopplebock – 5 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Here’s the best smoker out of Houston. Karbach’s Pontificator smoked dopplebock. Cool label, trusted brewer. Easy to find in bombers and on tap. A couple of “sleepy” Ministry officials scribbled down “London speed it up! Houston Rocket!” and the other, “better than it smells.” I take those both as positive signs. Overall Happiness factor – 5 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Brewer	Karbach Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Pontificator Smoked Dopplebock
Brewer’s Description	Malts: Munich, Raunch, Cherry-wood smoked malt, Crystal, Carafa Hops: Spalt select for bittering, hallertauer, spalt, and tettnang for aroma
Food Pairings	Meats, cheese, nuts.
Brewer Location	Houston, TX
Alcohol content by volume	8.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	25
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2.5
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5

They don’t know anything about Pontificator:

http://karbachbrewing.com

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, bock, dopplebock, Karbach, Texas | Leave a comment

Lakefront Brewery Inc. – Luther – Helles Rauchbier Lager – 4.1 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

For a light beer, Luther gets a particularly high score. Entrenched in the culture of Milwaukee, as well as the rest of Wisconsin for that matter, is beer culture, so it should be of no surprise that Lakefront makes a good beer. Luther, a Helles (light) Rauchbier, is really a beginner smokebeer with a light smoke and nuttiness finish. One Ministry official noted, “not saison, not fruity, not floral.” And why they decided to mention that this beer was not these three seemingly random flavors is a mystery. I can see myself returning to this one. Overall Happiness 4.1 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Lakefront Brewery, Inc.
Beer Name	LUTHER (Made a: helles rauchbier lager)
Brewer’s Description	We’re talking smooth, mildly sweet smokiness with prevalent malt flavor and low bitterness. It all comes from the Pilsner, Vienna, and beechwood smoked malts, making it reminiscent of the beer of Bamberg, Germany. Look for golden coloring and malty, smoky aroma to complete the theme. Mmm…toasty!
Food Pairings	Any grilled or smoked entrée: ribs, bacon-wrapped grilled shrimp, smoked salmon, caramelized onions
Brewer Location	Milwaukee, WI
Alcohol content by volume	4.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	20
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	2
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1.875
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	4.1

There can’t possibly be a law requiring one be 21 years old before looking at a beer website, can there?

Home

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, beechwood, helles, Lakefront Brewery, light, pilsner, Wisconsin | 2 Comments

Left Hand Brewing Co. – Smoke Jumper – Smoked Imperial Porter – 5 Smokestacks out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

20170815_192350

If you get a bomber of this one, please don’t share. The perfect amount of this one is 22 ounces. Unless you have supplemented your beer intake with some other beer (preferably some lighter beers beforehand), than smaller quantities could be acceptable. What did Left Hand do right? They put “Smoke” in the name, in big letters, on the front, They mentioned firefighters, They made it dark, They included campfire notes in the nose. What could they look into in the future? They could add more smoke to the smell and taste, They could add notes of smoked meats into the formula. Campfire – Yes. Good Beer – Yes. Earthy Hoppiness – Yes. Roasted Brown Color – No. Jet Fuckin Black – Yes. Overall Happiness 5 Smokestacks

Brewer	Left Hand Brewing Co.
Beer Name	Smoke Jumper Smoked Imperial Porter
Brewer’s Description	A tribute to men who parachute into a fiery wilderness so we can enjoy it. This 21 degree plato porter made with barley malt hand-smoked by our brewers. Roasty brown in color, the long lingering smokiness wraps around notes of molasses, toasted malt, and an earthy hoppiness.
Food Pairings	Chocolate, BBQ, Beef, Smoked meats, grilled meats.
Brewer Location	Longmont, CO
Alcohol content by volume	9.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	50
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N, Campfire: Y
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5

Check out their website if you wanna:

http://lefthandbrewing.com

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, boozy, Colorado, imperial, Left Hand, peat, porter | 1 Comment

Midnight Sun Brewing Co. – Second Hand Smoke Stout – 4 out of 7 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Here’s a quick review: Dark, No light can get through this at all, in fact, I think the room just got a little darker after pouring this into a glass. Pours like Hershey’s syrup. Thick on the lips. Syrup, rich, musty flavors. Smoke smell faint and hidden. Dark and thick. There is a smokebeer in there somewhere, hidden underneath coffee, chocolate, molasses, velvet cake, some kind of barrel, barleywine, motor oil, and peat. Overall Happiness 4 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Brewer	Midnight Sun Brewing
Beer Name	Second Hand Smoke Stout
Brewer’s Description	As second runnings of BarFly Smoked Imperial Stout, Second Hand Smoke Smoked Stout picks up the nuances of the rauch (smoked) malt to complement the caramel and roast flavors contributed by dark grains. Pour it into a snifter. Swirl it around. Warm it up. Let it waft. Inhale its essence. Drink it in. Warning: This could kill you.
Food Pairings	Moose (unverified)
Brewer Location	Anchorage, AK
Alcohol content by volume	8.4%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	56
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	7
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	4

They got internet in Alaska?

Home

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Alaska, boozy, Midnight Sun, peat, Stout | Leave a comment

New Belgium/3 Floyds Collaboration – Lips of Faith Grätzer Ale – 4 out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

20170421_212842

Here’s one of 2, maybe 3 other Grätzers that I’ve come across in my travels. If smokebeer had a shandy, grätzers would be them; oak smoked wheat beer. Typically light in abv, color, and taste, Lips of Faith breaks the latter two of those rules with an awfully dark and malty- musty collaboration beer. This beer offers slight notes of smoke mixed in with a balanced and slow selling unusual beer. It tastes fine with a touch of sour bitterness on the back end which kinda gets behind the lips. I struggle to find any hint of wheat, which should be the main ingredient in here, but I’m a little tipsy right now and think I’ll end this review. Overall score = 4 smokestacks out of 7.

Brewer	New Belgium/3Floyds
Beer Name	Lips of Faith Grätzer Ale
Brewer’s Description	It’s not dead, but Gratzer is definitely a long-buried style from Poland. And together with 3Floyds we have unearthed the best of beer zombies. Full of bold flavors from oak-smoked wheat, and along with Midnight Wheat, this beer presents a pure black pour. A subtle, spicy note from the Polish Lublin hops hides in the aroma, just below the dark and smoky surface. Despite all appearances, the Gratzer is very drinkable at 4.5% ABV, and walks itself with a nice, light body. Cheers to drinking smoky, undead beers. Prost!
Food Pairings	taco de lengua
Brewery Location	Ft. Collins, CO
Alcohol content by volume	4.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	30
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5.5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Beer thickness 1-7 (water – used motor oil)	3
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (sad – happy)	4

Here’s a pic of the bottle with it actually facing the camera.

New Belgium & Floyds Gratzer Ale

New Belgium’s website is better than 3 Floyds, but neither want to talk about this beer:

http://www.newbelgium.com

Update!…Here’s this link I found talking about this beer, but couldn’t navigate there from the home page for some reason:

http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/3-floyds-collaboration

https://www.3floyds.com

…and one more thing, Grätzer = Grodziskie

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grodziskie

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, collaboration, Colorado, drunk, gratzer, New Belgium, oak, Three 3 Floyds, wheat | Leave a comment

Piwo Grodziskie – Grätzer Ale – 2 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Not long after I discovered smokebeers, I learned the word “rauch” (German for smoke), and then about 10 years passed before I learned the word “Grätzer.” Polish in origin, a Grätzer is a Sour Smoked Wheat Ale (see notes in spreadsheet). Well, although I’m sure Dr. Fritz Briem knows his stuff and made a hell of a grätzer, to the question of how well this stacks up to the smokebeers that The Ministry is looking for, the answer is not so well. I felt cheated considering the word smoke is on the label. Even given that I’ve only had two other grätzers, this one still garners the fewer smokestacks comparatively and misses on some key elements that we look for, which will not bode well in the Overall Happiness category. Rather than beat up on this good gratzer, and very drinkable beer, I’ll just list the elements that more often than not, help smokebeer rank high: High abv, darkness, robust taste, and smokepower (smell and taste). Having said that, Overall Happiness: 2 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Dr. Fritz Briem
Beer Name	Piwo Grodiskie Grätzer Ale
Brewer’s Description	Grodziskie or Gratzer is a Sour Smoked Wheat Ale that was brewed back in the 1900’s in East Prussia and dates back to as early as the 15th century. It was named after a Polish town of Grodzisk Wielkopolski, or Gratz in German. Brewed according to the German Purity Law with air dried barley malt & beech smoked wheat malt and hopped with Perle & Saaz. A sour mash is created using the old and forgotten techniwue called “Digerieren”. Finally a 3 mth aging & maturity process creates a complex sour, smoky, & heavily hopped wheat ale.
Food Pairings	More beer
Brewer Location	Munich, Germany
Alcohol content by volume	4.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	15 – 20 (says DJ)
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	2
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	0
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	2

I guess this leads to this team:

http://www.browarwgrodzisku.pl/en/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 2 - 3, ale, beechwood, Germany, gratzer, Piwo Grodiska, sour, wheat | Leave a comment

Birra Del Borgo – Perle ai Porci – Oyster Stout – 2.5 Smokestacks out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

So, the best place in Houston, TX to get specialty beers, or any beer for that matter, is my old neighborhood joint D&Q Mini Mart at 806 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77006. The guy who owns the place I consider a friend, and he considers me “that smokebeer guy.” Whenever I enter his place he comes out from behind the counter to hand select any new smokebeers that he has gotten in. His intentions are great, but I’m not always sure of his direction. Nontheless, I buy, drink, and review what he tells me to. This Italian Oyster Stout, Perle ai Porci, is one of those particular selections that must have been a little misguided. As far as the beer, not too smokey. Roasted is a better description. I do not taste oysters. This reminds me of some of those Mikkeller beers with the color and complex flavors. End result, this is a good beer, go out and buy one, but not for the smoke, and don’t offer it to The Ministry (looking at you D&Q). Overall Happiness 2.5 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Birra Del Borgo
Beer Name	Perle ai Porci Oyster Stout
Brewer’s Description	“Cast pearls before swine” Inspired by the Nordic tradition, it is a dark coloured stout. During the brew we added fresh oyster with their shell. They were the rare Fin de Claire N2 from Brittany’s coast, to be precise (15 kilos of oysters for 500 litres of gyle). Its aroma has beautyful roasted, slightly savoury and mineral notes given by the shell. It has a creamy and full-bodied mouthfeel, with a pleasant, not too strong salty ending.
Food Pairings	Oysters
Brewer Location	Borgorose, Italy
Alcohol content by volume	5.2%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	39
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	7
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1.25
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1.5
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	2.5

Don’t speak Italian? Thankfully they have a button with the Union Jack on it:

http://www.birradelborgo.it/en/birre/scheda/28/perle_ai_porci

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 2 - 3, Birra del Borgo, Italy, not a smokebeer, oyster stout | Leave a comment

Ranger Creek – Mesquite Smoked Porter – 5 Smokestacks (out of 7)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Ranger Creek has one of the cooler looking labels. The beer looks great too with a nice dark 6.5 opacity rating. As it pours out the smell of sweetness jumped out at me, with notes of smoke on the tail end. A justifiably proud George Hamilton tanned head rose above the rim, and then took it one step too far. And the silt tried, and failed, to crash the party toward the end of my pour. Now this particular one was a little foamier and had the silt, which I have never really noticed before (must be a fluke), because I’ve had a bunch of these with no incidents to speak of until now. And the taste really mimics the smell nice and neatly. When I breathed out after my big gulps the crackling campfire smoke smell gets a little more brazen. I hope Ranger Creek keeps making this one. Overall Happiness: 5 out of 7 Smokestacks.

Brewer	Ranger Creek
Beer Name	Mesquite Smoked Porter
Brewer’s Description	Rich and robust brewed with grains that have been slowly smoked over mesquite on site at the brewery. Packed full of smoky.
Food Pairings	BBQ, earthy vegetables, cured meats, chocolate, smoked cheeses
Brewer Location	San Antonio, TX
Alcohol content by volume	6.4%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	70
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	3
Sausage detection? Y or N	Y (summer sausage)
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	4
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5

I’ve gotta look into their distillery:

http://www.drinkrangercreek.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, mesquite, porter, Ranger Creek, Texas | Leave a comment

Ranger Creek – Small Batch Series No. 2 – Texas Farmhouse Ale – 3 out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

So this one didn’t do so well. “Subtle smokiness” should be removed from the brewer’s description, along with the two other mentions of the word smoke because they got The Ministry all wound up looking for smoke. However, even with this blatant misdirection played on the helpless masses, a 3 is an awfully high of a score (says The Witchdoctor). This really only means one thing, that The Ministry has compassion in their hearts for good beer. Put an ax in a baseball player’s hands and he’d probably make a pretty good lumberjack, but the goal is to deliver baseball players. So the brewer may not be a master of the tools at their disposal, but we can’t deny a good product. We strive to find the best smokebeers so the general public won’t have to dredge through slop and swill. And if anyone else out there is looking for a smokebeer (or even a recipe), keep looking. No smokebeer here. Overall Happiness 3 out of 7.

Brewer	Ranger Creek
Beer Name	No. 2 Small Batch Series
Brewer’s Description	A Wallonian-style saison was brewed with spelt malt that has been smoked over 4 Texas fruit woods (peach, apricot, apple and plum). The subtle smokiness and light fruit texture marries with the complexities of the Belgian farmhouse yeast. Earthy, herbal notes, smoke phenols, esoteric.
Food Pairings	Texas summer
Brewer Location	San Antonio, TX
Alcohol content by volume	7.7%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	28
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	2
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	3

Brewstillery? I can learn about that at:

http://www.drinkrangercreek.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 3 - 4, fruit woods, Ranger Creek, Texas | Leave a comment

Ranger Creek – Small Batch Series No. 5 – Pecan Smoked Dopplebock – 5 Smokestacks of Happiness

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

Not much to say about this one. With big breaths you can smell the smoke come and go, but then when you taste it, the smoke is much stronger, especially on the exhale. It’s a good beer, which keeps it’s Overall Happiness factor high, but could use more smoke if it wants a bump up a point or two. No silt is a good thing, along with the sweet taste. A competitive gateway beer. Overall Happiness: 5 Smokestacks (out of 7).

Brewer	Ranger Creek
Beer Name	No. 5 Small Batch Series (Pecan Smoked Dopplebock)
Brewer’s Description	Pecan smoked Doppelbock lagered in our own bourbon barrels for a short time. This deep mahogany, full-bodied brew has aromas of nutty smoke and stone fruit, with flavors of rich malt, dried fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak. A portion of the malt was smoked by hand at Ranger Creek with Texas pecan wood in our very own Texas malt smoker. The beer was then lagered for 2 months in Ranger Creek bourbon barrels. Bottles will age and mellow nicely for up to 10 years if stored properly.
Food Pairings	Texas summer
Brewer Location	San Antonio, TX
Alcohol content by volume	7.5%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	32
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	4
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	5

I like to say San Antone:

http://www.drinkrangercreek.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 5 - 6, bock, dopplebock, double, Pecan, Ranger Creek, Texas | Leave a comment

Ridgeway Brewing – Querkus Smoked Oaked Porter – 4 Smokestacks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

First thought upon opening = Peat. It smells better than it tastes, but peat really isn’t the most drinkable of tastes so neither is going to get me to come back too soon. The description reads “peated whisky malt” so at least the brewer knows what they’re putting out there. This beer is not great. Peat and smoked notes seem to get a bit stronger towards the end. I’m sleepy. Overall Happiness: 4 out of 7, the end.

Brewer	Ridgeway Brewing
Beer Name	Querkus Smoked Oaked Porter
Brewer’s Description	To get a subtle smokiness we brew with Scottish peated whisky malt, English pale and roasted malts and boil only whole leaf goldings hops. Querkus is then patiently cold matured over pieces of old French oak barrels. The flavours from the toasted wood slowly seep into the beer; bottling only when we think it is right.
Food Pairings	Bangers and mash
Brewer Location	England
Alcohol content by volume	5.8%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	maybe like 10
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	4
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	2
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	3
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	4

This link goes across the pond:

http://www.ridgewaybrewery.co.uk/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, drunk, England, oak, peat, porter, Ridgeway Brewery | Leave a comment

Evil Twin/Stillwater/Stone Collaboration 2012 – “The Perfect Crime” Black Smoked Saison – 4 out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

I wonder if they knew about The Perfect Crime Co. in Scheldebrouwerij, Meer, Belgium before brewing this one? Because there’s a clone beer out there in the ether. Regardless, right at the opening of this I could not find any smoke. It smells like a good beer, but not a smoked beer. In the taste, hops crop up, which is a little bit of a surprise for what I review, but the color is not a surprise. 5 out of 7 darkness points, Zero sausage detection, and smokepower taste… Zero. My overall happiness factor is a 4 out of 7 meaning that I am not happy or sad, just in the middle. I will resist throwing this bottle against the wall (before it is empty). Not a smokebeer, except in name only.

Brewer	Stone/Evil Twin/Stillwater
Beer Name	“The Perfect Crime” Black Smoked Saison
Brewer’s Description	Evil Twin / Stillwater / Stone “The Perfect Crime” Black Smoked Saison. In a masterfully orchestrated collaboration of the minds, Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of Denmark’s Evil Twin Brewing, Brian Strumke from Baltimore’s Stillwater Artisanal Ales, and Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele crafted a beer that cleverly exploits the definition of a saison.
Food Pairings	Smokebeer
Brewer Location	San Diego, CA
Alcohol content by volume	6.8%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	60
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	5
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness: 1 – 7 (low – high)	4

All three get a pos-men here:

http://eviltwin.dk/

http://www.stonebrewing.com/

Index

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, California, collaboration, Evil Twin, gypsy, saison, Stillwater Artisanal, Stone | Leave a comment

Scheldebrouwerij – the perfect crime SMOKING GUN (Smoked Stout) – 4 out of 7

Posted on October 27, 2014 by SmokeBeerMinistry

I don’t have much to say about this 11.2 oz bottle. Its near completely opaque color got me kind of excited about it (scoring 6.1 out of 7), but then I struggled to detect any smoke smell at all (1 out of 7). In the taste category I pulled out something I described as tart but not sour along with a sweetness off in the distance. Not Happy, Not Sad. Overall score 4 out of 7.

Brewer	Scheldebrouwerij
Beer Name	the perfect crime SMOKING GUN
Brewer’s Description	It should be indisputable evidence when a smoking gun is right in front of you. Maybe you can even smell the burning, toasty nose, see the easily recognizable head and taste the gun powdery finish. This is not the case.
Food Pairings	Gouda, Cheddar, Beef, Smoked Meat, Game, Grilled Meat, Salmon
Brewer Location	Meer, Belgium
Alcohol content by volume	10.0%
IBU (International Bitterness Units)	35
Beer opacity rate 1 – 7 (light – dark)	6.1
Smell smoke? 1 – 7 (No – George Burns)	1
Sausage detection? Y or N	N
Smokepower taste: 1 – 7 Smokestacks	1
Overall Happiness Rating: 1-7 (low – high)	4

Looks like they’re stepping it up:

http://www.scheldebrouwerij.com/

Posted in Beer, Educate, Enlighten, rauchbier, Smokebeer | Tagged 4 - 5, Belgium, boozy, Scheldebrouwerij, Stout | Leave a comment

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