Many breweries present rauchbiers as sophisticated, Old World, something you’d drink while wearing a tweed suit and smoking a pipe. But Staves seems less inclined towards an 1880s Europe vibe and more interested in a 1980s Miami vibe; for their Rauchbier can design, they’ve gone all postmodernist paint splashes and neon lettering.
This radness comes through in the brew - rather than being dominated by smoke alone, the rusty red pour carries sweet toffee malt along with its smoke to give a fun edge to the beer. Think honey glazed smoked ham or candied bacon, with the smokiness growing as you drink.
Ditch the tweed, throw on an acid wash denim jacket, and sip the most colourful rauchbier you’ve come across in a long time.
Mick Wust
Published September 3, 2020 2020-09-03 00:00:00
