Grätzer

From the start, this is a different beer: near-black in color with a smoky-roasty aroma that evokes dark chocolate and charred hardwood. Leathery and bacon-like aromas add to the curious mix. No notable hop character is present in either the aroma or flavor. The flavor continues the theme of roast malt and adds a subtle ashy smoke character. A layer of dark ripe fruit (fi g/prune/date) gives way to a tart, grainy acidity that lends to a crisp finish. Just a hint of puckery astringency lingers in the aftertaste. This beer is an interesting oddity, with an aggressive roast malt component buttressed by a surprisingly gentle smokiness.