Samuel Adams Bonfire Rauchbier - Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

yuenglingfan101

Indiana

5/5  rDev +47.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

poured in to a pint beer glass. Small head and copperish color. Smells of malts and smokey flavor to it. It taste just as the lable says malts and smokiness. mouthful is exceptional, the smokiness says it all!!! Overall an excellent beer to drink for all occasions

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2011 02:55:20 | More by yuenglingfan101

JamesS

Indiana

4.55/5  rDev +33.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a very nice coppery-brown color with good head and decent lacing. Wonderful thick and hearty scent with some nice sweetness and a wonderful smokiness in the nose. Great flavor, a nice malty thickness with some nutty attributes and a wonderful hearty smoky flavor that goes great on a cool and rainy night on the back porch. Went down quite well, given the smokiness.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2011 18:53:15 | More by JamesS

Josiah2729

Tennessee

4.43/5  rDev +30.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into pint glass

Copper color, 1 finger head, some lacing

Nice smoke taste, taste like hickory smoke

Smokey bacon taste without being overpowering

Light texture, finishes great.

My first rauchbier, I wish it came in 12 packs!

Available as part of Samuel Adams Seasonal 12 pack.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2011 05:59:04 | More by Josiah2729

OhYesILoveBeer

Georgia

4.43/5  rDev +30.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

SA's Rauchbier, finally in bottles included in the Harvest Collection. I have to say that SA's Fall pack is ALWAYS my favorite, even over the Winter pack and god knows I love my Holiday and Old Fezzi. On the the review!

Pours a dark ruby with a 1/2" light tan head that simmers down into a fizzy light cap. Smell of the Caramel and Pale 2 row dominate the nose, along with a mild hop presence and a soft touch from the smoked peat malt.

Taste is phenominal. I think this is one of the better SA offerings, and should be put into 6... wait, no 12.... errrmmm, I mean 30pk cases! Sweet Caramel and pale malts up front with the bit of smoke riding on top, finished with a slight bitterness from a noble I would imagine. The mouthfeel is alot thicker than most Rauch's, but makes me feel warm and toasty even in this god damn 90*+ temp here in Georgia. A spot on hit for SA in the Rauchbier Cat.

Overall, I want MORE MORE MORE!!!! I really want a Imp version of this, cranked up to 7% and loaded with smoke! Do yourself a favor, if your reading this and you haven't tried it, go get it immediately! If you like smoked beers and foods, you'll be glad you did! Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2011 22:15:23 | More by OhYesILoveBeer

buffettfan

Arizona

4.38/5  rDev +28.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a globe style glass.

Looked a nice brown, slytly reddish color. Little head, that left quicly.

Smelled very smokey, with a sweet maltiness, and a little spice, the smoke was by far the most prevalant.

Tasted the smoke right away. There was a nice balance of a carmelly sweetness however. The more into the glass I got, the beer warmed, and the smoke really took control of the flavor.

Overall it was a very enjoyable beer. Not one I would have more then one of at a time, but I enjoyed this beer a great deal.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2011 19:53:57 | More by buffettfan

hopsgirl35

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +28.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

picked up the harvest collection first time I ever tryed a smoked beer an enjoying it with a nice flounder dinner...
Apperance is a light copper color with a small head.

Aroma is like smelling beef jerky after it comes out of the smoker. With a bit of a sweetness.

Taste the smokeness hits you right away the sweetness is the next in line but not to strong
caramel and toffee leave hints of being in the beer.

Mouthfeel medium bodied little carbonation.

Overall one of best smoked beers I ever had.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2011 21:44:37 | More by hopsgirl35

beeragent

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +27.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a pint glass from a 12oz bottle.

A - pours a medium copper, forming a 1inch off-white head. Light spots of lace on the glass.

S - rich smokiness from the smoked malts dominates the nose.

T - the smoked malts dominate the palate, not giving any presence to the hops. Not very complex, but delicious.

M - medium bodied, very smooth and clean, with average carbonation.

D - as a huge fan of rauchbiers, my review is a bit biased. This is definitely one of the better Sam Adams brews in my opinion. They really nailed the traditional rauchbier profile! Considering that we don't get very many smoked beers in my area, I easily welcome this brew!

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2011 06:31:55 | More by beeragent

Lemke10

Wisconsin

4.28/5  rDev +25.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I bought a 12-pack Sampler Pack of Sam Adams Harvest Collections in Fall 2011 from Woodman's in Janesville, WI for $12.99 as this is the only way to get the Rauchbier.

Pours a dark, cloudy brown color with a thin head that disolves quickly. Smokey malts are the most noticable scent. You don't have to search for the tastes as the smoked malts hit the taste buds right away. Has a great body and texture to go along with its unique taste. For whatever reason it's pretty hard to find a smoked beer as I've only ever had 2 out of trying over 200+ beers. This one is delicous and probably one of my favorite Sam Adams products.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2011 04:16:44 | More by Lemke10

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +25%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A-dark brown, slightly transparent. thin cream colored head

S-smells like campfire and autumn spices...a really decent mix. good strength.

T-comes in with a taste of campfire and dark malts. its a really decent taste. the after-taste is matching but shows some great autumn spices as well. i'm surprised at how well put together and balanced this is. the flavors seem to be of pretty high quality too, which i don't find too often in Samuel Adams beers.

M-medium and creamy carbonation with a semi dry finish

O-i've had a few rauchbiers at this point, and this is by far the best that i've had...and that is saying a lot because i happen to be a fan of the style. i don't know why, but i love the smokey taste of bonfire, and this beer captures it very well, while adding a bit more to the table. i'm down right impressed with Samuel Adams on this one, it might be one of my favorites from them!

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 06:49:05 | More by AdamBear

DovaliHops

California

4.22/5  rDev +24.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an almost-clear, amber color with a small white head that disappears quickly. Scent is smokey, like smoked ham...with a bit of toasty malt aromas. Taste initially tastes like a slab of delicious smoke breakfast ham. Once you get used to the smokiness, the malt flavors really kick in. Finishes fairly sweet. Mouthfeel is medium bodied and very tasty. Overall, this is a very tasty Rauchbier. Love the smokiness and drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2011 07:49:47 | More by DovaliHops

Wamesit

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +24.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a rich dark brown with ruby highlights.

S - Sweet dark malts. Cocoa. Fruit esters.

T - Chocolate and smoke. Rustic flavors. Caramel and roasted coffee malts. Some spicy fruit/fruit esters.

M - Medium.

O - A truly delicious and perfectly Autumnal beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2011 03:01:00 | More by Wamesit

Mora2000

Texas

4.22/5  rDev +24.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I love smoke beers and am looking forward to see what Boston Beer can do with the style.

The beer pours dark brown with red highlights and an off-white head. The aroma is pretty nice. I get some meaty smoke as well as some ash and a little bit of heavily roasted malts.

The flavor is more of the same. The ashy, meaty smoke is very strong and is the first thing you notice. I also get a little bit of roasted malt and chocolate in the flavor.

Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. Overall, I am impressed.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2011 00:25:21 | More by Mora2000

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - A very nice dark brown with Head of a nice half inch and it looks kind of creamy.

S - First smells were smoke and ash with a bit of sweetness but as it warms I can almost smell candied bacon with a slight ashy malt. My friend put it in my head that it had a "salami" tone to the nose.

T - Smokey for sure but not to the point of ash more like overcooked bacon. Smokey then bacon then a sweet finish like brown sugar goodness.

M - Light to medium I enjoyed sipping this one.

Overall I am quite impressed with this offering and even though I haven't had many of the style I can say this one is the best so far.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2011 00:45:31 | More by DrDemento456

tvv375ia

Iowa

4.2/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

poured from 12oz bottle into pilsner glass

A-nice light copper color with about a finger of head that disappeared quickly

S-lots of hardwood smoke followed by some sweet carmel

T-smoke comes out here too maybe like the dark outside(the bark) of a piece of smoke pork with maybe a little bacon and carmel

M-good carbonation

O-I like to use my smoker so whats not to love with smoked beer I wish this came in 6 packs and not just in the fall sampler

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2011 01:47:40 | More by tvv375ia

AleWatcher

Illinois

4.2/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Black looking body with deep ruby red notes on the edges... I see some greenish yellow colors as this pours from the bottle. Very interesting.

Roasty, very roasty, malts. A smooth earthy smokey character with slight notes of oaky peat.
The flavor is exactly as the nose had me expecting; but add in a surprising dry bitter finish.

The body is smooth and full. Good carbonation.

Overall, this is pretty nice rauchbier here. Very pleasant to drink. I enjoy it.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2011 00:16:34 | More by AleWatcher

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.2/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

hazelnut brown liquid with ample reddish highlights shining through immediately noticeable. A puffy little tan head of foam then came up over the top and settled down to a broken crown that clung to the outside of the glass. Very nice carbonation could be seen streaking up towards the top throughout the session, really letting you know that this thing was definitely lively.

The aroma was classic for the style. Rich notes of smoke and peat were dominating the aroma. Lots of roasted malts and a slight touch of caramel as well as a bit of a green bitterness mixed in throughout. The flavor was much more of the same. Rich notes of peat and smoked tones were riddled throughout. Nice malted grain, with a roasted flavor in the middle as well.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2011 02:28:40 | More by mikesgroove

Justin23060

Virginia

4.18/5  rDev +22.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours dark brown w/ amber highlights. Off white head disappeared pretty quick. Smells nice in a bacon-ey way. Some malt sweetness in the smell with no hop presence. Taste is quite smokey with some breadiness. Mouthfeel is a little watery which keeps it from getting to rich or heavy. Fantastic with some salty crackers topped with pepper-jack and dijon mustard. Looking forward to the second one in the fall pack and again next year.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2011 00:02:00 | More by Justin23060

Tballz420

Minnesota

4.15/5  rDev +22.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours out a darker copper colored body, slightly hazy with a small white head that doesnt' last too long. Definitely a bit smokey on the nose along with the clean caramel lagered malts. Smokier still on the taste, it does taste like a bonfire. Well, its not as overwhelming as some smokes, I actually think its just about right. Caramel malt start with a touch of bitterness from the hops. A bit of toffee as well. Medium bodied, fairly sharp on the tongue.

I like it.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2011 03:36:28 | More by Tballz420

Arithmeticus

Maryland

4.15/5  rDev +22.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured at room temp in straight-edged glass

A: dark caramel brown; clearish; good, hefty head
S: starts off with a very inviting leathery, smoked aroma, but it segues into a rather bland malty aroma
T: leather, roast, fire, smoke; oh yum; tastes like a brown ale was used as a base; malt is subdued, but the hops tangle nicely with the smoking, creating a very nice complex body

Overall, a really good beer; cheers!

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2011 23:31:20 | More by Arithmeticus

yemenmocha

Arizona

4.13/5  rDev +21.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

BACON smokey nose!

Whoa, gorgeous chestnut color on the pour with off-white head, and a full bacon smoke nose that is quite assertive.

Palate offers a nice balance of caramelly sweetness akin to an Oktoberfest, but then the BBQ bacon-like smoke comes in for center stage. Medium bodied. Very drinkable.

Can't wait to pair this with various foods.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2011 20:31:57 | More by yemenmocha

BerkeleyBeerMan

California

4.13/5  rDev +21.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Opaque dark brown with red undertones. Oily. Nice thick creamy head.

Smell: Very toasty. Big smoked character. Chocolate, caramel and toffee. Greasy oil aroma. Zesty herbal notes.

Taste: Close to to aroma. Think big smoke and big malts. Very pleasantly balanced with a nice backing bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Medium chewy. Soft, delicate and drinkable.

Overall: A very genuine interpretation of the rauch style. I got this out of a Sam Adams' Fall sampler. Definitely worth the price because of this.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2011 06:07:52 | More by BerkeleyBeerMan

brewdlyhooked13

Ohio

4.13/5  rDev +21.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance - pours a clear copper gold with a dirty white head of half a finger at most. Not much resilience but good stick with the lace.

Aroma - starts off with a moderate but appealing smokiness. As it sets up, it takes on some olive-Orval aroma. I prefer just the smoke.

Taste - good maltiness, a hint of roast. The smoke comes on right after, but not in a rush. Tasty rauchbier, a wise move to not go as intense as Schlenkerla. This level is excellent and allow the beer flavor to co-exist. Finishes with a trace of balancing hops and the smoke of course.

Mouthfeel - average body, maybe a little bigger. Crisp and refreshing. Good levels.

Drinkability - the style could wear me out after a bottle. I could drink a few of these, though, nice balance given the sometimes overbearing nature of the smoke for this style. A fine way to end the night as the smoke clears on the men's college hoops. Congrats to both Kentucky and Kansas for an excellent game.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2012 03:52:47 | More by brewdlyhooked13

adam42381

Florida

4.1/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a New Belgium globe.

Appearance: Pours a dark woody brown with ruby-orange highlights and a 1-2 finger creamy light tan head. Excellent head retention with head pooling on top in the middle. Nice lacing.

Smell: Smoked bacon with maple. Wow, this makes me hungry for breakfast.

Taste: Smoke flavor up front followed by sweet malt and mild dried fruits in the middle before ending with a touch of hops. The smoke is definitely apparent throughout, especially up front, but it never overpowers.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a decent amount of carbonation.

Drinkability: High drinkability. Like it's name implies, this would be perfect around a campfire. That said, it's pretty nice on a hot and rainy August afternoon here in Southwest Florida.

Overall: Excellent beer overall. While this is my first Rauchbier, I must say this beer is really good. I'd be pleasantly surprised if they get much better than this. I'd say it would be worth getting the Sam Adam's Fall Mix Pack just for this one.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 21:49:01 | More by adam42381

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I really enjoyed this beer, I really enjoyed the sampler from Sam Adams the fall sampler is bringing their A game. Black Lager, Pumpkin, Boston Lager, Irish Red, Bonfire, Oktoberfest. Not a bad beer in the variety pack, this just happens to be the new release, pours a deep mahogany ruby tinted brown color with light beige head forming thick and leaving behind intricate lacing. Aroma has a nice air of smoked malts, a bit of charred wood, smoked meat but really compared to some of the German Rauchbiers out their this comes of mild with the smokiness the other elements that come to play included a nice caramel roasted toffee darker malt profile and light herbal hops. Flavor wise this beer is nice especially with smoked meats enough sweetness to balance but rich with smoked malts to add another level of complexity to whatever you're eating. Medium bodied big fall seasonal definitely wouldn't mind pairing this with a bonfire, perfect cooler weather beer too bad it's still August and balmy. I have a feeling we will be seeing this around until late fall, again great drinkable version of a classic German style.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2011 22:17:01 | More by WVbeergeek

elNopalero

Texas

4.1/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I’ve been on a rauchbier kick lately, as I’ve made note of in previous reviews. Dunno what sparked it but anytime I see a smoked beer I have a burning desire to try it out. But enough lame puns! On to the beer!

This pours a nice, smoky auburn. A shade lighter than the bottle it came in, a tinge of ruddy reddish-brown. There’s a muted whiff of smoke on the nose, very subtle. Not anywhere as dominant or overpowering as some of the other, bolder smoked beers I’ve tried. But don’t be fooled, on the first sip you’ll definitely catch the smoked presence. This one finishes dry—and sharp. Very enjoyable. Pleasing. Even as it warms. I’d buy a sixer of this, especially for the price that SA beers go for. Overall another solid brew from these guys. I’d love to see Sam Adams introduce the masses to rauchbiers by promoting this guy.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2011 19:48:53 | More by elNopalero