My Turn #003: Luther
Lakefront Brewery, Inc.

My Turn #003: LutherMy Turn #003: Luther
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From:
Lakefront Brewery, Inc.
 
Wisconsin, United States
Style:
Rauchbier
ABV:
4.5%
Score:
87
Avg:
3.85 | pDev: 14.81%
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
50
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Nov 07, 2015
Added:
Sep 11, 2012
Wants:
  5
Gots:
  2
The third of the My Turn Series, Luther’s beer is a Helles Rauchbier, which means this one is a little smoky. And we’re talking smooth, mildly sweet smokiness with prevalent malt flavor and low bitterness. It all comes from the Pilsner, Vienna, and beechwood smoked malts, making it reminiscent of the beer of Bamberg, Germany.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by BeerFMAndy:
Photo of BeerFMAndy
Reviewed by BeerFMAndy from Wisconsin

4.42/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
22 oz bottle poured into a Lakefront imperial pint.
4.5% ABV, #003, 20 IBUs, 13°P, 5°L, Bottled During: Aug WK 4 (quite a bit off from the label's space)

A - Luther shimmers with golden clarity and little carbonation activity meaning the billowing white head which tops the beer wont last for long. As it drops to a thin skim, wispy lacing is left clutching the glass.

S - The already delicate nature of a German Helles lager allows for it's more subtle nuances to be easily overtaken by a powerful aroma such as smoke. Luther clearly takes this into consideration with his Helles Rauchbier, though, carefully keeping the smoked malt addition low as to allow the subtle nuances to emerge. Grainy pale and mildly sweet pilsner malt provide the base with notes of toast coming through. Soft German hops impart complimentary spice but, the obvious showcase is the gentle campfire and bacon aroma of the smoked malt. Very approachable!

T - Luther is full of surprises! The smoke is even more toned down that the aroma would lead one to believe. Smooth and sweet, this malty brew balances grainy pale and sweet pilsner malts with a touch of toasty Vienna to compliment the smoked malt along the finish. Forget about tasting any of the hops in the flavor; those bad boys are just in it for the balance.

M - Incredibly smooth, this medium-bodied lager is almost a little slick; I wish there was just a bit more carbonation in Luther to keep it feeling crisp and tone down the lingering sweetness. That's not to say it's not balanced though; the smoke does a good job of drying the finish out, tugging you back for another sip.

O - Lakefront's My Turn Series keeps on rolling with Luther, a fantastic Helles Rauchbier Lager! Smooth and drinkable, this lightly smoked beer is the perfect introduction to a smoke beer or a toned-done version for the seasoned Rauchbier veteran looking for an easy drinking alternative without giving up the campfire and bacon notes. This beer is a perfect blend of two styles, one light, crisp and refreshing, and one almost appalling in bold smokiness.
Sep 11, 2012
More User Ratings:
Photo of Wasatch
Reviewed by Wasatch from Colorado

3.92/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22oz. Bomber

Pours a slightly cloudy dark golden yellow color, nice carbonation, with a very nice small thick/creamy off-white head, which leaves some sticky lacing behind. The nose is malty, with some smokyness. The taste is malty, slightly smoky. Medium body, with a nice bitter finish. Overall, a pretty tasty brew.
Nov 07, 2015
Photo of chicksdiggit
Reviewed by chicksdiggit from Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured center from bomber into a snifter. Enjoyed 8/13/2015, batch #003.

L: pale copper color with a finger of clean white head of moderate to large sized bubbles. Several streams of quickly rising carbonation spread across the entire glass. Thin lacing but still sticky. Moderate retention.

S: green vegetal hop aroma but not over the top. Buttered biscuit after the initial bite.

T: wow, smoked bacon right up front is a big change from the aroma. Sweet bacon remains on the palate well after drinking with some ham.

F: sweet on the palate. Smoky but I really like it. I get a little bit of the booze even at 4.5%. Still easy to drink.

O: I love rauchbiers and this is a great beer. Love that the malt overcomes the hop aroma I was expecting to be present in the flavor. Wonderful beer.
Aug 14, 2015
 
Rated: 3.73 by WDJersey from Colorado

Jan 16, 2015
 
Rated: 4.47 by WastingFreetime from Wisconsin

Dec 22, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by GeorgeCarroll from Pennsylvania

Aug 27, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by KAF from Iowa

Jul 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Treb0R from Oregon

Jul 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.33 by Latarnik from New Jersey

May 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by afsdan from Colorado

May 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SkinniePost from Wisconsin

Apr 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Dave2234 from Minnesota

Mar 14, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by beersdmf17 from Illinois

Feb 15, 2014
 
Rated: 1.25 by ajzy from Wisconsin

Feb 01, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Westuh from Wisconsin

Oct 01, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by egrace84 from Illinois

Aug 13, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by Duff27 from Illinois

Aug 12, 2013
Photo of Murrhey
Reviewed by Murrhey from Washington

3.29/5  rDev -14.5%
look: 2 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Poured from a bomber with a standard pressure-cap into a pint glass in high elevation Kalispell, Mont. Reviewed live.

A- One-finger head, quickly erodes. Maybe I waited too long to drink this. Golden color with high clarity.

S- Smokey lager smell. Bacon, maple syrup. Not an incredibly complex brew, but not bad.

T- Smokey, light. Not much flavor.

M- Light, bubbly.

O- Light, light, light. Meh. Not a fan of this one, but I have sat on it for several months. Probably my fault.
Aug 01, 2013
Photo of brentk56
Reviewed by brentk56 from North Carolina

3.77/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours a cloudy goldenstraw capped by a huge, fluffy head; no lacing left behind as the head descended, however

Smell: Bready, with hints of lemon and smoke

Taste: Tastes like it smells on the front end, though after the swallow, the smoke becomes more pronounced; an interesting lemon cream flavor lingers on the back end

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation

Overall: The smoke was surprisingly subtle; clearly the focus here was on drinkability

Thanks, jonallen, for the opportunity
Jul 20, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by MitchellBeir from Wisconsin

Jul 07, 2013
My Turn #003: Luther from Lakefront Brewery, Inc.
Beer rating: 87 out of 100 with 50 ratings