Draught at the brewery, Winter 2013.
Brassy-mahogany body shows a light glassiness but it otherwise clear. Big, beige head shows moderate retention.
Been 3 years since I had this, almost and I never rated it, yet it’s ingrained in to my memory. The nose, while certainly nothing to laugh it, wasn’t quite as impressive as the flavor, but still showed soft, ashy smoke, light vanilla-cream and very rich minerality. Low on the toasted character with a firm, nutty, wheat-like tartness interacting with the smoke to provide a phenolic-like pepper and fruit character.
Upon first sip, I was in love. Perfect attenuation, with a soft, wheat-laden texture that allows light vanilla-cream and honey to balance the moderate smokiness. Very light tartness on the end, with big minerality and even a touch of spicy/peppery hop notes to further add complexity and crispness. So much damned flavor for its size with no flaw or alcohol, nor do I think, overbearing smokiness.
One of the best beers I’ve had from CBC and right up there with Schilling’s rendition of the gratzer. CBC’s shows more hop crispness/hop character, with a bit more intensity of flavor overall, while Schilling’s is a bit more dry, softer, tart and elegant. Would be very curious to try the two side-by-side. I think a slight edge may go to Schilling’s version, but who knows.