Cruz Blanca Brewery Smoke Alley
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What the brewers say
“Light-bodied, softly tart, smoky, herbal, and peppery. Brewed with white oak–smoked red wheat and dry-hopped with German Saphir and Saaz.”
What our panel thought
“A light bready note starts off the aroma, then earthy and dank hop notes are complemented by a light dose of smoke with hints of lemon. The smoke notes carry through into the light bready flavor and add a savory character that complements the bittersweet profile. Hints of lemony citrus and and green tea add further layers. Medium-low bittering fits in well with everything else. It all finds a way to come together and work.”
What our editors thought
“In the grodziskie vein, the oak-smoked malt produces a tight phenolic aroma less fruity or barbeque smoker than other woods. The hops offer a floral base that hints at some sweetness to soften the malt intensity. The smoke plays down in the flavor, only returning through the retronasal, as an almost spicy, grilled pineapple flavor takes the spotlight. Far too fruity for grodziskie, but an interesting beer that shows smoke’s range.”
