El Bolson Negra Ahumada

Brewed by Cerveceria Artesanal El Bolson
Style: Smoked
El Bolson, Argentina

Hazy dark red-brown. Aroma of toast, chocolate and wood. Astringent coffee and charcoal taste. I'll admit I like my rauchbier very phenolic, so this disappoints in that regard. Still, I look forward to trying this fresh down at the El Bolson Cerveceria y Camping on a future Patagonia expedition.

Dark brown color. Smoke in a sweet malty, lightly organic nose. Smooth with a very light body. Little smoke and sweet with a light touch of hops towards the end. Finishes thin and not quite as smokey as I like.

A malty aroma with a faint smokiness. A dark brownish black which turns to a dark plum color with brown edges when light is held behind it. A thin tan head that disappears in the blink of an eye. Malt dominates the flavor with a peat smoke flavor. Yeast flavor is also evident, as is a slight butteriness and vanilla. While this beer had no head, fizzy carbonation was still present. Medium mouthfeel and a little acidic. Negra Ahumada and the Miel are both prone to severe yeast/contamination problems that result in undrinkable, fizzing monstrosities. When a good bottle is found, you are enjoying one of the better beers of Argentina.

Not a great deal of smoke evident in this ’Rauchbier’, nonetheless, it’s a fine tasting dark lager. Nutty, burnt caramel flavour, thick body with a well rounded finish.