New Glarus Unplugged Smoke on the Porter

Formerly brewed at New Glarus Brewing Company
Style: Smoked
New Glarus, Wisconsin USA

Bottle giddily purchased from Discount Liquors in Milwaukee - I’m happy I scored this one, and was really surprised it was still around. While I can’t compare it to what it was like fresh, it’s drinking just fine right now. And I’ll qualify that by saying I’m not a big fan of smoked beers -- though I may be seeking more out now. It just looks like something I’d want to drink, near black and a fat, frothy tan head. Smell is smoke, meat, chocolate and roasty grains. Taste is smooth roasted malt and smoke -- but the smoke isn’t overpowering. That’s really the key for me -- I didn’t want to drink a campfire, but they dialed it back just enough to add to the beer without defining it. The only knock I have is that it’s a little watery, but otherwise I loved it. So happy one of these was still on the shelf after a year and a half!

I was very underwhelmed by this beer. the body was very light. The smoke was there but also light. I’ve had way better smoked porters like alaskan smoked porter. I got8 of these on a trade and ended up trading 6 of them away,

Now, it has been a while since I sampled this brew but I have always been a fan of smoked beers. My only complaint with this beer was an acidic astringency that came through which I have noticed in a variety of New Glarus beers. Otherwise, I have good memories. If only New Glarus would make some more.

Bottle thanks to Ofortuna, thanks man! Poured a deep brown color with some deep ruby edges and a 1/4 inch off-white head that faded to a thin layer and left some spotty lacing. Aroma of smoke, chocolate, some roast (coffee), and a bit of charred wood. Smooth, lightly sweet entry with some light hints of meat and brown sugar that gives way to a moderate smokiness with some undertones of chocolate and a soft roastiness that follows into the finish paired with some light lingering smoke. Low carbonation and smooth on the palate, although a tad thinner that anticipated. Overall, a very nice, flavorful brew that I wish was regularly available in 6 packs. Thanks again Dave!

12oz bottle. Nice carbonation. Pours dark brown with a tan head. Aroma is of chocolate, smoke, roasted malt, and grain. Taste is of smoked meat, chocolate, grain, roasted malt, and wood. Lingering meat flavors, with lots of bacon staying long after each sip. Each sip ends very dry, making it all taste like smoked wood. Mouthfeel is very heavily carbonated, which kind of detracts from the beer. A very tasty beer if you like meat and wood.

Dark brown with a frothy beige head that leaves chunks of lace. Aroma of smoked wood and mild roasted malt. Taste of smoked wood and mild sweet roasted malt. Thin and creamy with a semi-dry aftertaste that has some sweetness to it. It’s okay.

courtesy of abends. pours dark brown, mocha lacing. Aroma of smoke, malts, roast and bbq with faint touch of chocolate. Taste was insanely drinkable. Loaded with good smoke malts, sweet bacon/bbq mouthfeel saturated with smoke and exceptionally well balanced. This is one well balanced beer, thick palate with the smoke being well used.

Pours chocolate brown in the glass. Amazing smoke aroma that brings back memories of bon fire keg parties out in a random field. Flavor is reminiscent of delicious grilled meat. There are also some chocolate notes. This beer is awesome.