Uncovering the Smoky Allure of Craft Beer
For the craft beer enthusiast, few flavors challenge the palate like smoked lager. While smoked beers might not be as universally adored as a crisp IPA or a zesty sour, they are steadily finding their fan base among beer lovers intrigued by historic and robust flavors. Smoked lagers, or Rauchbiers, from Bamberg, Germany, are shadowed gems waiting to be rediscovered by adventurous brewers across the United States.
Historically, smoked malts were essential in beer due to early brewing techniques. Today, however, Rauchbiers appear less frequently in the craft scene, overshadowed by other popular German styles like Kolsch, Helles, and Vienna lagers. However, there’s a rising curiosity brewing around these flavorful pours, promising new taste explorations for craft beer aficionados.
Brewers Embrace Smoked Tradition
At the forefront of this smoky revival is Connor Blanchard, head brewer at Luppolo Brewing Co., who has embarked on crafting unique takes on the smoked lager. His creation, the “Poco Fumo” smoked Helles lager, melds oak and beechwood-smoked malts with classic brews, bringing a taste of Bamberg to local palates. It’s a beer designed to be both approachable and complex, delighting those willing to embrace their inner beer adventurer.
Across the craft beer spectrum, dedicated brewers like Blanchard are relishing the opportunity to offer something distinct. “Smoked beer requires patience to appreciate,” Blanchard admits, “yet its impact on brewing history is significant. Embracing it could lead you to unexpected enjoyment.” The feedback from patrons at Luppolo supports this, illustrating that even lesser-known styles can carve out a devoted following.
Local Innovations in Smoked Brewing
Meanwhile, on the West Coast in Victoria, Clay Potter at Moon Under Water Brewery concocts his own smoked creations with a local twist. Utilizing a custom smokehouse originally built for crafting distilled whiskies, Potter discovered that his locally-sourced alder smoked malts were perfect for beer. This 100% local malt, sourced from Field Five Farming, offers a uniquely regional flavor profile representing a local craft beer ethos.
“There’s a special art to crafting smoked beer,” Potter shares. “Our approach, rooted in local flavors and innovation, sets us apart. It’s another layer of craft uniqueness that can’t be replicated.” The collective creativity and regional pride at Moon Under Water and collaborations with brewers like Small Gods and Whistle Buoy, highlight how smoked beers make a unique stamp in the craft beer narrative.
Smoked Beer’s Understated Appeal
Both Blanchard and Potter bring to light smoked beer’s resilience against conventional beer trends, advocating for a wider acceptance among their craft brewing peers. “Don’t shy away from these niche styles,” Blanchard advises fellow brewers. “They’re full of potential to surprise and satisfy a curious craft beer crowd.” Indeed, the rustic allure and warming attributes of smoked lagers hold particular appeal for those braving cooler climates.
Whether it’s sipping a glass of smoked lager by a fireside or integrating it into brewery portfolios, the slow but sure rise of smoked beer offers exciting avenues for exploration. With the dedication of visionary brewers, these smoky delights may soon feature prominently on the menu of craft beer enthusiasts across the nation.
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