Tioga-Sequoia 'Smoke Chaser' Smoked Barley Wine. 12% abv. 100 IBU. Hazy Amber-orange color with sediment. Finger of foamy tan head. Good retention, excellent lace. Nose of smoked wood, stone fruit, sweet berry. Aroma of strong port emerges as temp approaches room. Front taste of smoked grain, bitter fruity hops, whisky notes, tall alcohol throughout. Aftertaste is bitter cherry, smoked wood. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, astringent, carby.

This is an outstanding beer, a big bold barley wine with strong flavors of smoke, bitter fruit, port wine. Not a beer for the faint of heart, this 12% brew is one of those big guns that tastes like its tall abv. Very astringent, making the berry taste akin to whisky. Wood notes comes from the smoke factor, approaching a barrel aged taste. Very impressive. Highly recommended

From the brewery:

"Smoke Chaser comes from the name given to brave firefighters that defend California's forests from devestating wild fires. Our American cherry wood smoked barley wine is as big and courageous as its namesake. An intense malty complexity, combined with an American hop backbone, and a subtle cherry wood smoke finish makes this beer larger than life. With over 100 IBUs and at 12% abv, this beer is meant to be sipped and experienced. Enjoy with a fine cigar or share one with a friend."

[source: bottle]

Stillwater Artisanal 'Surround' Imperial Oak-Smoked Wheat Stout. 10% abv. Black in color. Two fingers of thick foamy mocha head. Outstanding retention and lacing. Nose of roasted malt, dark chocolate, smokey, dark wood. Front taste of bittersweet dark chocolate, raisins, plum, smoked grain, caramel underneath. Aftertaste of dried dark fruit, botanical bitter herbal, plum, notes of cloves. Full body. Mouthfeel is thick, creamy, astringent, dry finish.

This is an exceptional beer that pulls no punches. The dark chocolate and heavy bitter fruit flavors are held together in a dense, creamy body with an inviting aroma that never subsides. Roasty, malty, herbal, and very smoky, this is a bold beer that steps over traditional flavor profiles. An outstanding innovative brew from an always-interesting artisanal brewery. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Like a sound system that fills the room with audibles swarming in every direction. This massive stout overtakes your senses with aromas & flavor of dark chocolate, caramel, roast, smoke, earth & wood, It's heavy I know, but you have to drop that bass every once in a while if you really wanna get down."

[source: stillwater-artisanal.com]

Stone Brewing Smoked Porter. 5.9% abv. Black in color. Thin beige head. Excellent retention and outstanding lacing. Nose of dark fruit, sweet dark malt, smoke. Front taste of smoked grain, dark bitter fruit, dark chocolate. Rich and meaty. Aftertaste is smoke, mild spice, bitter dark fruity hops. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, rich, thick.

This is a good smoky beer, an ideal example of its category. The smoke flavor comes through nicely throughout without overpowering, accenting the malt grain taste, not replacing it. Notes of fruit and chocolate mingle well, adding to the somewhat complex flavor. Nicely crafted and delicious. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"When first released, our smoky version of a traditional English porter was ahead of its time. Today, it's a highly regarded staple among craft beer fans and our go-to food complement; pairing effortlessly with all kinds of cuisine, from peanut butter and banana sandwiches to braised pork belly to apple pie. This worldly libation is dark, smooth, and complex, with rich chocolate and coffee flavors suffused with subtle smokiness from the addition of peat-smoked malt."

[source: stonebrewing.com]

Wonderful lacing on this smoked porter.