Rauchbier by this familiar name in London, celebrating the eighth anniversary of the brewery; can from AD Delhaize Zwijnaarde. Egg-white, initially thick and foamy but quickly thinning, cobweb-lacing, opening head; warm and initially clear orange blonde robe, misty further on. Aroma of strong and dominant smoked herring and smoked bacon, chorizo and barbecue sausages, smoked paprika powder, biscuit, yellow curry, rusk, peanuts, dried orange peel. Crisp onset, a tad fruity with notes of red apple, tamarillo and even very faint pineapple, lively carbonated with mild minerally effects; smooth, slick body, biscuity and bit cracker-like, also somewhat peanutty malts quickly overshadowed and penetrated by this strong Rauchmalz effect, bringing back all the smoked herring, bacon and sausage assocations in full force as well as adding a somewhat meaty umami touch, matching well with the sweeter portion of the malt bill. Leafy hops add extra dryness and spiciness, paired with a toasty malt touch, but the smokiness remains the dominant factor - and that is how it ought to be in a Bamberg-esque Rauchbier (albeit a top fermented interpretation in this case): I am not a big fan of smoke beers which do not dare to go any further than just a faint hint of smoke. This one, however, is how Rauchbier is supposed to taste - and I love it.

Amber color. Smoke in the aroma and flavor with dry malt. Good palate. Earthy.

440ml can - Pours an almost clear orange amber colour with a small off-white head. A smoky aroma, maple cured bacon, sweet malts and caramel notes. A moderately sweet malty taste, sweet malt, caramel and smoked bacon flavours with a some bitterness and smoke in a drying finish.

Tap at the brewery taproom bermondsey. A mostly clear amber orange coloured pour with a small off white head. Aroma is semi sweet, maple bacon, mellow birch smoke, brown sugars. Flavour is composed of semi sweet, nutty toffee malts, light tang, smokey malts, birch smoked malts, maple bacon.