Smoked Beer

September 5, 2006: A day I will remember for the rest of my life. Last night, while enjoying my favorite movie The New World on DVD, I had a life-changing beer: Alaskan Smoked Porter.

It all started in July when Sam Adams came out with a limited edition 4 pack called the Brewer Patriots Collection. I loved the George Washington Porter & the James Madison Dark Wheat Ale. Both were dark, robust beers, which I always enjoy. But the Madison in particular had a distinct smokey flavor I loved. So I started doing a little research, & found that giving beer a smokey flavor goes back centuries. The real name for it is "rauchbier." It's when the hops of the beer are actually smoked on purpose for the unique flavor.

So I started a local quest of sorts for smoked beers. Last Friday, I went to AJ's Fine Foods nearby, and talked to the "beer guy" about smoked beer. He suggested the Alaskan Smoked Porter, which apparently is voted the best smoked beer every year. It was pricey, so I only bought one 1 Pint bottle. And I finally got around to drinking it last night. Man oh man. My life will never be the same. It was amazing. It's not something I could drink everyday, firstly because of its price, and secondly because I wouldn't want it to lose its specialness. But on special occassions, I'm going out & buying Alaskan Smoked Porter.

This whole experience has peaked my curiosity on beer. I want to know more about it: How it's made, what the different types are, and what the heck is the difference between Ales, Porters, Lagers, Bachs & such. So Beer for Dummies is on its way to me, & I look forward to diving into it. So my friends, go out & find an Alaskan Smoked Porter at a store near you & enjoy.