Lacking robustness of better German rauchbiers, this Hudson River knockoff gets soapy when promisingly stylistic Band-Aid waft, beechwood char, and cured meat barrage prove fleeting. Instead, bland lemony orange sourness overwhelms dwindled salami, sausage, and glazed ham illusions.

Less assertive than Aecht’s similarly styled German smoked lagers, formidable dry-bodied rauchbier retains sooty wood-kindled peculiarity Rogue Smoke A Rauch fans will enjoy. Hop-charred beechwood and burnt cedar gist receive peat-y rye malting, leveling off honey glazed ham, cured meat, and leathery beef jerky nuances.

Wispy moderate-bodied German-styled rauchbier places beechwood-smoked peat malts ahead of peppery Hallertau hop spicing and faded salami-bacon singe. Latent lemony orange sourness desiccates nutmeat illusions ’til rye bread finish picks up herbal dusting. On second passing, fizzy lime Seltzer soaping overwhelms any true German rauchbier character.

Capacious smoked oak chip frontage settles to chocolate-cocoa nicety, safeguarding sweet beechwood-aided butterscotch warmth. Seared wood proclivity tones down roasted barleymalt restraint without sacrificing mocha-vanilla subtlety.

Lusciously syrupy Bavarian dark beer matches aromatic Scotch sweetness to burnt wood chip essence and smoked barley-oat spine. Frisky spiced hops enhance ashy mouthfeel while persistent caramel-maple malts sweeten well-rounded composition for lean full-bodied heavyweight.

Peculiar maple-cured bacon, barbecued beef jerky, and singed hickory fumes inundate superfine porter that compares favorably to Germany’s Aecht rauchbiers. Upon pouring, chunky spume forms lusciously cascading tan head atop velvety brown-bodied bottom. Efficient cedar-smoked black chocolate prelude receives dry char-hopped tar-like coffee midriff, ancillary tobacco-molasses-walnut respite, and nimble black cherry trifle.

Intriguing mocha-scented dry-roasted smoked beer with wood-burnt beechwood spicing, toasted barley-oats sashay, and ashy tobacco undercurrent. Scotch malt sweetness lingers through sour yeast splurge and smoky cocoa malting above polite soft water base. Lacks strength, depth, and sufficient finish of better rauchbiers. Brewery defunct: 2009.

Lacking the breadth of Rogue’s Smoke A Rauch and less audacious than Rogue’s XL, this sweet beechwood aged ale boasts smoked chipotle-hickory torrent strengthened by earthen hops and white pepper tinge. Herbal residue daubs cured meat illusion at backend.

Wonderful charcoal-charred tawny amber ale (updated as less audacious Rogue Smoke Ale) with thick grain post, smoked salami insurgence, seared beech wood char, and mild creaminess perfect for seafood complement and boat cruises. Though carbonation fades and burnt hop bitterness dissipates, remains absolutely delicious!

Burnt wood chips, resinous hops, and mineral-grained sediment coalesce with silken barley sweetness above charcoal bittering. Beechwood malts punctuate smoky finish. For acquired tastes, since it packs a helluva punch. Great with fish or barbecue dinners.

Dreary ‘one-time ’08 release’ too light up-front to maintain effective rauchbier oeuvre. Singed rye malts bring wood-smoked maple-glazed bacon and beef jerky illusions to dark spicing in need of pricklier hop jab. Lacking prolonged smoked malt intensity of better German rauchbiers, this soapy Side Project’s indistinct.

Pour slowly classy limited edition brown-bodied 9.2% alcohol-smitten smoked beer (to avoid over-carbonation). Whiskey malt sweetness, orange peel bittering, and subtle hop restraint develop better flavor profile if allowed to breathe in the glass. Pleasant barley strand emerges alongside medicinal backdrop where citrus-aided prune juice motif enjoins busy mix. Despite limited appeal for mainstream crowd, experienced pros will enjoy fascinatingly unpredictable splendor.