98
Overall
Aroma
12
Flavor
18
Mouthfeel
5
Appearance
3
Geneva, IL
What Our Editors Thought
Toasty, nutty nose with a bit of smoke like fire-roasted chestnuts. The sip deftly balances the light smoke character, with a perfectly placed, very light, sweet Maillard malt note of toasted bread crust. Rustic but rich, indulgent but penitent.
What Our Panel Thought
Rich malt palate in the aroma, like a smoked cup of spiced chocolate; the smoke adds layers to toast, caramel, hints of fig and raisin, cardamom, dried cherry. Caramel shifts to toffee on the tongue, adding some roast and plum to the mix. Rich without being overly heavy or chewy. Smooth and seductive smoke, suggesting aromatic pipe tobacco. Definitely something for the fireplace on a cold evening.
What the Brewers Say
Franconian-style dark, smoked, Lenten lager.
Review printed in: The Rebirth of Cool: Inside the Lager Evolution (June-July 2021)
View All IssuesDate Reviewed: February 26, 2021