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Craft Beer & Brewing

Lifeblood

Wayward Lane BrewingLager (Smoked)
ABV: 6%
98
Overall
Aroma
12
Flavor
19
Mouthfeel
5
Appearance
3
Schoharie, NY

What Our Editors Thought

“The aroma evokes notes of over-toasted croissant, cinnamon roll, peach hand pie, and a bit of day-old campfire in a warm conifer forest—dry and a touch woody with fresh edges. Full body with light dry caramel notes that give it heft without sweetness, softening the lower smoke notes into a gently rolling bitterness. The result feels natural and unforced, with a warm resonant tone.”

What Our Panel Thought

“Pairs a pleasantly sweet yet crisp dark lager with a BBQ-oriented smokiness. The smoke adds a meaty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the underlying beer. The light smoky nose has a faint hint of fresh tobacco underneath. That tobacco element continues in the flavor, tied into the dark melanoidin malt character. Think of this as a lightly smoked dunkel.”

What the Brewers Say

“Rich and malt-forward with a layered smoke character. Notes of caramelized Demerara sugar, toasted brown bread, with waves of smoke dancing over the tongue.”

Date Reviewed: June 10, 2026