What Our Panel Thought
Aroma: Smoky, malty, complex, and alluring. No hops. Some spicy notes and even a touch of tartness. Reminiscent of bacon, campfire, and ash. Melanoidin and toffee malt supply candy-like sweetness.
Flavor: Full of malt and smoke without being sticky. Slight oxidation in the malt body is mostly hidden by the smoke. Some dark fruit (prune-like) sweetness. Smoky sweetness hits first and lingers in the smooth, warming alcohol finish. Aftertaste is crisp with a touch of ashy graininess.
Overall: A perfectly balanced classic. Good malt complexity plays well with the smoke to create a rich example of the style. The Scotch of beers! Incredibly smooth. Smoked beer fans, rejoice!
What the Brewers Say
The malt for this beer is kilned with oak wood. The resulting Oak Smoke Malt has a smooth, layered smoky note. The complex smokiness is paired with the multifaceted bitterness of the finest Hallertau aroma hops. With 8% alcohol and amber color, it matures for months in the brewery cellars underneath Bamberg into a special treat for Christmas.
