SMITHHAVENS ~ DUNKELWEIZEN

Sampled from a bottle, this beer poured cloudy dark coppery amber with a generous beige head, which quickly reduced to a film, and left some scant lacing. The nose contained caramel, ripe stone fruit, some spice, grains and a slight vinous tart quality. The taste was lighter than expected with notes of caramel, malts, ripe fruit, clove, earthiness, subtle banana esters and a light sourness. The beer had grainy malty sweetness that was cut by the tartness. There was some lingering fruit in the aftertaste with no bitterness. The carbonation was gentle, and the body felt a little watery at time. I don’t know whether the slight sourness was intentional, I would like reserve judgment on this one, until I sample another. 

5.2% from Peterborough, Ontario IBU 12

KELLERBIER ~ SMITHAVEN'S

(formerly SMITHWORKS)

Kellerbier or cellar beer is an unfiltered lager. Sampled from a bottle, the beer poured a cloudy golden yellow, with a two finger billowy white head that receded to a cap, leaving some nice lacing. The nose is mild with subtle noble hops and light cereal grain malts. The is a lovely effervescent stream of bubbles that give you a little bite off the top, followed by crackery cereal grains and dry floral/herbal hops. There is a very light sweetness complemented by some bitter citrus. The beer is medium bodied with prickly lively carbonation. The finish was off dry. This is quite a palatable and flavourful straightforward brew, I look forward to another.

5.2% from Peterborough, Ontario