Unplugged Smoked Rye Ale
Tasted blind as part of Blind BIF #4 (thanks, Khazadum) 12 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass. Pours a beautiful crystal clear amber with a soft pillow of foam on top. The head lingers...and lingers...it's not going anywhere. The hint on the blinded label gave away nothing as I was hit with a beautiful hiss of smoke as soon as the cap was popped. This is a subtle aroma, something that i'd like for a nice smoked trout (rather than a big brisket). Definitely some caramel on the nose as well as a strange fruit like apple or pear. The first sip yields the definitive taste of a german lager yeast. I'm thinking some sort of smoked marzen at first. There's a little honey sweetness, followed by taste of bacon on the tongue. This gives way to a perfectly balanced bitter finish. This finish is predominately a slight roast, but there's definitely some hop action going on here as well. I wouldn't say over the top, but I do get a nice herbal bitterness. As it warms, I get much more sweetness; the essence of honey and some apricot seem to come out of nowhere. Fairly solid body on this beer, despite its delicate aromas and taste. The bubbles seem to just float on the tongue. Lingering, but not sharp. There's a hint of heat in the throat as it warms. I had originally guessed a light 5%, but starting to think there's a little more alcohol here. The light earthy smoke lasts for minutes after a sip. it's just fantastic. This beer is hard not to just down in a few sips. It is so clean and well made and drinks very well. Could definitely have this all afternoon on a warm spring day. My best guess is still a smoked maibock or marzen. Though if this is, in fact, local pride, I can't think of a single midwest brewer offhand that might be putting this out. Must be some Wisconsin guys... The reveal: New Glarus Smoked Rye Ale...Is this a new one? An ale? Time to re-taste. I definitely get the rye on the finish, but the yeast they used is really interesting. I swear it's with some lager yeast, but this is why I love this BIF. Smoked beer: 4.5/4.5/4.0/3.5/4.0