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Schilling Beer Company in Littleton, New Hampshire, United States 🇺🇸
Smoked / Rauchbier Rotating|
Score
7.84
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Translated as “ignite” or “spark,” this German inspired specialty smoked dark lager uses Alder smoked malt from Blue Ox Malthouse in Lisbon Falls, Maine. An intoxicating campfire aroma melds with cocoa and roasted coffee beans before finishing crisp and clean with a kiss of noble hops.
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8.3/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 8.5
Flavor 8.5
Texture 8
Overall 8
Reviewed from notes.
Can to becher glass.
Appearance: dark brown close to black color with a two finger eggshell white foamy head which dissipated nicely to leave some light lace
Aroma: slight sweet ham, cocoa powder, roasted malts, sweet coffee tones, sweet smoke, earthy / grassy hops
Flavor: blends the prior noted aromas to a nice smoky sweet to earthy and meaty vibe; finishes smoky, meaty sweet and a little of cocoa sweet
Texture: light to medium bodied, sessionable, very smooth along the tongue, nothing abrasive anywhere on the tongue
Overall: very nicely done smoked lager very worthy of returning to.
Can to becher glass.
Appearance: dark brown close to black color with a two finger eggshell white foamy head which dissipated nicely to leave some light lace
Aroma: slight sweet ham, cocoa powder, roasted malts, sweet coffee tones, sweet smoke, earthy / grassy hops
Flavor: blends the prior noted aromas to a nice smoky sweet to earthy and meaty vibe; finishes smoky, meaty sweet and a little of cocoa sweet
Texture: light to medium bodied, sessionable, very smooth along the tongue, nothing abrasive anywhere on the tongue
Overall: very nicely done smoked lager very worthy of returning to.
Tried
from Can
on 21 Feb 2026
at 14:49
9/10
Strong smoky aroma and flavor with amazing complexity and depth. Absolutely fantastic - one of the best smoked beers I’ve ever had.
Tried
from Can
on 20 Nov 2025
at 16:54
7.9/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 7.5
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 8
Tried
on 07 Oct 2025
at 23:33
7.5/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 9
Flavor 7
Texture 6
Overall 7
$4.81 pounder from Appalachian. 05/02/25. Pint glass at home. Chili is on the menu.
Dark brown ale & cola pour, smooth lingering froth.
Strong, savory oak smoke. Cheerio & chocolate nose.
Sweet & savory, dry cocoa & subtle maple sweetness. Some acridness on the backend along with a medium herbal pith. Quick hint of citrus & black pepper.
Strong cola acidity, irritating carb, some soot.
Good but the high acid throws me off.
Dark brown ale & cola pour, smooth lingering froth.
Strong, savory oak smoke. Cheerio & chocolate nose.
Sweet & savory, dry cocoa & subtle maple sweetness. Some acridness on the backend along with a medium herbal pith. Quick hint of citrus & black pepper.
Strong cola acidity, irritating carb, some soot.
Good but the high acid throws me off.
Tried
from
Appalachian Vintner
on 03 Oct 2025
at 22:55
8.6/10
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Appearance 9
Aroma 9
Flavor 8.5
Texture 9
Overall 8
Golly that’s good. Exquisitely balanced. Robust smoked malt, burnt ham, nips of toasted caramel, burnt cereal, roast, hint of cocoa. Light bodied with massaging carb. Lip-smacking finish. Nice depth. Sound.
Tried
from Can
on 22 Aug 2025
at 23:14
8.6/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 9
Flavor 8.5
Texture 9
Overall 8.5
This is a Top 50 entry for the Smoked / Rauchbier category, coming in at number 22. It’s my 7th Top 50 for this category, which is one of my favorite styles. Barely translucent mahogany brown pour is topped by a majestic rocky tan head that leaves spotty lacing. Wonderful smoked malt aroma is reminiscent of an early fall campfire. Flavor is incredibly rich and malty. Huge smoky notes. (Think Bavarian brats on the Green Egg)! Some earthy, drying notes in middle. Finishes soft and malty, with a soft, herbal, smokiness that satisfies immensely. Outstanding!
Tried
from Can
from Tavour
on 23 Jul 2025
at 04:29
8/10
More smoke upfront than anything else I've had from US breweries, nice Chocolatey malty notes that linger on the finish.
Tried
from Can
on 23 Jun 2025
at 20:04
8.5/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 8.5
Flavor 9
Texture 8
Overall 8.5
16oz can from Tavour. Opaque, dark brown pour, small foamy sand colored head. A hint of smoke hits at the opening of the can, light roast and subtle chocolate notes. Taste is all about the smoke, ashy, smoky, roasty, with some mild sweet chocolate notes. Light smoky bitterness lingers. So delicious!
Tried
from Can
from Tavour
on 20 Jun 2025
at 22:56
6.6/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 6.5
Flavor 7
Texture 6
Overall 6
To style, but not totally my thing. Looks great, like a nice brown ale with a bunch of sticky beige head. Nose has smoke and sausage and earth. A little plastic. Flavor has black tea and some malt and huge smoke. On the verge of peaty. Off dry, long, tannic finish.
Tried
from Draft
on 13 Jun 2025
at 21:10
8.4/10
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Appearance 10
Aroma 8
Flavor 8
Texture 9
Overall 8
Can. Pours clear mahogany, small beige head, good lacing. Aroma is hardwood smoke, caramel, ash, campfire, roast. Flavor is light sweet, light plus bitter, medium smoke. Hella nice. Medium body.
Tried
from Can
on 06 Jun 2025
at 02:29