Surly Smoke

Name: Smoke
Date: 08/09/2008
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewfest, Great Taste

Appearance: black, fine beige head,
Aroma: dark chocolate aroma with lots of smoke,
Flavor: dark chocolate flavor is well integrated with the smoke, dark caramel sweetness adds the needs depth and balance,

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 6/10
Score: **+/4

GTMW 2008. The beer pours to a really dark brown body with a tan head. The aroma is chocolate and light smoked meats. The flavor is sweet sugary malts and light smoked meats. A nice medium body leaves this beer pretty balanced.

Great Taste 2008. One of the better smoke beers I’ve had, reminding me a bit of Stone’s take on the Smoked Porter (although this was smokier), and the HummelBrau Raucherator, although this had more body/mouthfeel. Notes of chocolate and dark toffee blend with vanilla for a smooth and smokey finish and a surprising amount of SALT! (I’ve never had a beer I would call "saline," but this fits the profile) Would pair well with a number of grilled foods.

Great Taste of the Midwest 2008

The place to be for most of the day was Surly. Always bustling with activity I made it a point to be there for as many of the special tappings as I could. This one was no exception. About a year old (2007 vintage) this shows no signs of going downhill. If it were bottled like the Darkness I think the guys in Brooklyn Center would have another hot commodity on their hands.

Aroma / Appearance - The black body was covered by a thin tan head and wrapped in decorative lacing. Candy sguar, coffee, sweet creamers and a pleasant smokiness highlighted the best parts of a world class baltic porter. Taking the best of the easily available releases and raising the bar this has to be one of the best on the planet.

Flavor / Palate - Cocoa powder, sugar and dark chocolate wash smoothly across the tongue. The creamy mouthfeel makes this very drinkable. A smoky finish accents an already solid beer. Very balanced and smooth this is something worth trying when you find yourself with the opportunity. Only the Darkness might be better.

GTMW ’08. 2007 vintage. black in color with red light shining through. I smelled a dash of brown sugar and a whiff of campfire. Medium to full bodied with subdued smoke/roast and chocolate flavors. Fairly simple with smoke on the lighter side, but solid.