90 Smoke Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 7% ABV (9/09)
Slightly hazy orange amber color. Aromas of dried smoked ham and rye toast follow through on a supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with hints of baked apple and roasted nuts. Finishes with a crisp, dried citrus and earthy hop-accented fade. A nicely balanced, understated smoked beer that will go fantastically with sausages and a sharp cheeses.
84 Ludwig’s Revenge, Roy-Pitz Brewing Co. (PA). 5% ABV (9/09) 
Opaque brown-black color with a fine rim of foam. Mild aromas of roasted nuts and Baker’s chocolate follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with proscuitto and marinated cabbage and root vegetable notes. Finishes with a smoked nut shell and flint-accented fade. Not much smoke here and rather porter-like; pair with schnitzel and sauerkraut.
Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers
Specialty Beers
Exploring the Foamy Fringe of Beer
Rauchbier
The origins of rauchbier lie with breweries in the region of Franconia in northern Bavaria, which traditionally dried the barley over fires fueled by beech trees from local forests. The resulting pungent malt imparted an assertively smoky aroma and flavor to the beer from which it was made. These smoked lagers generally feature a very malty framework on which the intensely smoky character will not become overbearing. Rauchbiers are still brewed in the traditional manner by many of the breweries centered around the town of Bamberg, though enterprising brewers in other parts of the world have begun to make similarly styled beers.
Interpreting the 100-point Scale
Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:
| Point Range | Quality Band |
|---|---|
| 96-100 points | Platinum |
| 90-95 points | Gold |
| 85-90 points | Silver |
| 80-84 points | Bronze |
| Less than 80 | Not Recommended |
Legend
= Brewpub- ABV = Alcohol by volume
- Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted
