Smoke beer, also known as Rauchbier, is one of my favorite beer styles. A few blogs back I discussed my heavenly reuniting with Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier at the World of Beer in Orlando. This time I have two smoked porters, Magic Hat Brewing Company’s Humdinger Series “Burn Pile Smoked Porter” and Stone Brewing Company’s “Smoked Porter.” I shall taste the latter. Stone produces some big brews like the palate wrecking Ruination Ale as well as Arrogant Bastard and Levitation Ale, which all can be found at
some ABCs. I am excited to taste their smoked porter.

Appearance

Comes in a 22-ounce bomber graced with their trademarked winged gargoyle. I am serving it slightly chilled in my smaller Unibroue Maudite tulip glass. An easy pour presents a nice off-white head and a slate black body.

Smell

Mocha, smoky wood, piney hops, candied bacon, milk chocolate. Simply wonderful.

Taste

Upfront, mild smokiness followed by brewed coffee and finished with a dry smoothness and bitterness from the hops in the back. Very nice charred wood develops with each sip.

Bravo Stone for bestowing another gem—I will save the Burn Pile for another time. I would love to get my hands on some Alaskan Smoked Porter but alas, I have never seen that brewery in Florida. Any of you who have connections to Alaskan Brewing Company, tell them that shipping to the southeast
would be greatly appreciated!

Other smoke beers at ABC include Samuel Adams “Cinder Bock,” Samuel Adams “Bonfire Rauchbier,” Fort Collins Brewing “Z Lager” and Rogue Ales “Smoke Ale.”

Beer blogger Adam Shugan is a store manager in Gainesville.