Smoked beers are sometimes a little divisive. Somehow people’s responses to such beers are very much either love or not. There is little ground for indifference. So it is with a little trepidation that we include this beer in our beer packs (and it is a big can and all!)
The pour leaves little wondering as to what this beer is about. Smoked ham hock is what I immediately think of (and wouldn’t mind it accompanying this beer).
A dark brown, slightly murky body continues to give off the smoky aroma as long as the liquid lasts in the glass. There is an inviting early sweetness to the beer, with dark chocolate and caramel, even a little dark sugar and a soft carbonation makes for a smooth mouthfeel.
While the smoked meat character is stronger in the aroma than it is in the flavour, I still found the urge to chew on each mouthful of this beer. Let it warm to get the best of the smokiness, which is really well balanced and (at least for me) not overpowering at all. I look forward to the reviews!