New Albanian Cone Smoker

Brewed by New Albanian Brewing Company
Style: Smoked
New Albany, Indiana USA

Aged in a port cask for 7 months, Great Taste ’08. Pours a hazed yellow with a white small looser head, dissipating. The nose is full of smoke, but it comes out entirely like lox, not that I’m complaining. A bit of malty sweetness, but not a ton. The mouthfeel is fuller than I’d expect for being in a cask. The flavor is dead on lox. A bit sweeter, and obviously maltier. Some subtle floral hops round it out. A wonderful beer.

On tap at Three Floyds Brewpub and served in an English pint glass. This beer poured a coppery amber hue with a thin head of tan foam. Some light lacing was left around the glass. The aroma of the beer was made up of caramel, toffee, bitter citrus, and a strong smokey note. The flavor included caramel, grapefruit, cured meat, campfire, and fresh citrus. Nice! The mouthfeel was medium to full-bodied with moderate carbonation. Almost like a smoked Alpha King. The smoke fits in amazingly well. Tasty!

On tap. Pours a hazy copper with a tall white head. I didn’t think it was too smoky in the aroma, it leans more towards earth, caramel, and grassy hops. A sip reveals considerable more smoke in the flavor, especially in the finish. The brew finishes dry with heavy, well-done bacon. Grassiness is noted throughout and a meager malty sweetness provides some balance. This is a competent smoked brew. The sign above our heads indicates this is 7.5% abv which I found quite surprising.

First smoked I’ve had. Talk about a beer that pairs well with a good sandwich. As expected, very rich and smoky on the nose. Light brown/copper pour, with notes of BBQ on the tongue and enough hops to retain the flavor of a good beer. Unique brew, but can’t compare it to others of the same style since this is my first. Good first impression.

Smokey with a strong hop aroma. Pours a dark amber with a thin white head. Strong hop flavor mixed with smoke and a big malt backbone. Smoked pine resin with some caramel in the flavor. Awesome beer!

Sampled from growler, courtesy Teege from redlight. Hazy copper color, bits of white head. Moderately heavy smoke aroma mixed with earthy hops, the smoke taking the front seat. The taste follows suit, with smoke coming through first, but a nice robust hop character is present and lingers on the finish. I really like the idea and it’s executed well here.

Courtesy Teege from RLRL. Amber. Small off white head. Aroma of grassy hops and smoked malt. Same flavor. Mostly smoke with a decent amount of hops. Medium body, balanced carbonation, easy drinking. Solid brew.

Pours ruby with a mostly receding tan head. Aroma of light smoke, wood, and caramel. Tastes of smoke, meaty (sausage), hickory, oak, and cherry. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Pretty interesting, and better than anticipated.