The Bruery Smoking Wood
The Bruery is just one of those companies that I cannot say nice enough things about — at least in with regards to their products as I’ve never met anyone there or flown cross-country to visit. At any rate, their beer is good. Damn good. And the latest of their brews that I’ve purchased, the above bottle of Smoking Wood, keeps that reputation firmly intact.
The 13% ABV imperial porter is crafted with beachwood and cherrywood smoked malt and then aged in rye whiskey barrels. The combination of all that (as well as some other tasty goodness) makes for a beer that is just down right delicious. It’s got a moderately smoky character that is solid throughout, but doesn’t dominate the base porter or the just-right whiskey notes. The year is still very, very young, but this is one of the best thus far.
Appearance
Smoking Wood pours with a dense, creamy dark tan head that sits firmly above the opaque, black brew. It certainly looks the part.
Aroma
Holy $#!&… this beer smells amazing. Light smoke, spicy rye, whiskey, subtle wood notes, chocolate and a touch of alcohol fill that nose with all that you could hope for from a beer like this. Wow.
Taste
Again, holy $#!&… There’s more smoke in the flavor with a nice campfire char which arrives first. Spicy rye and a solid amount of oak quickly follow as whiskey notes dominate the back half fading ever so slowly in the warming, lasting finish. Hints of caramel, molasses and chocolate persist throughout, complimenting beer’s overall character. This full-bodied brew is wonderfully complex yet not overly so. It’s got a balanced and layered flavor profile.
Overall
I’d venture to say that this is one of the best beers from The Bruery I’ve ever had, and quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever had period. It’s got an incredible depth to it and hit on all the right points for a smoked, barrel-aged porter. I’m not sure what else to say, except for wow. What a beer!
Rating: 4.75/5
