Why is it experimental? well unfortunately recently when I purchased one of my favourite beers Proper Job in bottle form I found it tasting abit bland and 1 bottle I had almost tasted off, the next day I had the new JD cider and liked the smokeyness but then followed by the classic refreshing cider aspect. Which lead me to think...have my tastes changed.....and how will a smoked beer taste.....
Two questions that made me ponder over a few weeks, until I could research smokey beers (and if they worked well with hops). What I wanted was a smokey beer but hoppy (but minimal bitterness) in a citrus tropical way too....An odd combo but having the ability to try our own style you can satisfy (hopefully!!) the cravings. Turns out that there are, small number mainly a derivative of an American Brown Ale/ Brown IPA.
I also had 2/3 of a pint spare at the end which I could do a quick sniffer test....it was 11am so didn't want to consume the whole glass that early!
I kept with my favourite galaxy hops and went with citra (apparently one of the beasty citrus hops) to accompany them, these came through at the end, followed with a slight aftertaste of smoke again. Slightly more time to meld together will hopefully improve this beers characteristics.
Would I want to do this beer again, we'll find out in 18 pints time when the keg's empty.....by 1st impressions it could be one to drink while its fresh..
Until next time......Happy Brewing
