My Turn Series: Luther - Lakefront Brewery, Inc.

Jason

Massachusetts

4.48/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz brown bottle with a freshness date.

LOOK: Very bubbly clear golden hue, great head retention

SMELL: Smoke, bready, faint ash, clean

TASTE: Smooth, clean, crisp, moderate sized body, very bready, ample smokiness, herbal hop, balanced bitterness, earthy, faint honey, hint of apple, grassy, drying smoky finish

Pretty damn spectacular, i'd much prefer this to be served in liter mugs but the bomber sufficed. Certainly a rival to its counterparts from Bamberg.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 04:17:53 | More by Jason

eliz108

Wisconsin

4.5/5  rDev +14.2%

05-17-2013 15:18:20 | More by eliz108

lacqueredmouse

Australia

3.8/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle purchased from Ledgers Liquors in Berkeley, CA. No freshness date on the label itself, but the Ledger's sticker notes delivery was taken 4-13.

Pours a pleasantly hazed, but bright golden yellow colour. Head forms a fizzling, rather unpersistent crown of white, that eventually burns out to almost nothing. Carbonation is fine, and there's some weight to the body, despite its relatively low ABV. Looks decent enough: the lack of head is slightly disappointing.

Nose is extremely pleasant. It's a subtle use of rauchmalz here, providing a slightly sweet smokiness to an otherwise solid basis of crisp German malt. There's a good lager basis to the beer: slightly grainy, crisp, light and slightly fragrant, and it's set off nicely by the Bamburg beechwood smoke. It provides a little campfire wood, some sweet, bacon notes and an earthy wholesomeness. Lovely stuff.

The taste is a lot more subtle, especially from the smokiness side, but it's much like the Schlenkerla Helles Lager in this regard, which is not heavily smoked. Indeed, this has more smoke aroma on the nose than it did. On the palate, this is light, slightly crisp, but slightly fuller bodied than it needs to be. Weak malt provides the basis, while a slight medicinal character provides a dull counterpoint over the top. Some smoke comes from the aroma, and the finish is a little empty, but not particularly crisp.

Overall, this is nice stuff. I like the dose of smoke on the nose: it provides a pleasant quirk to an otherwise solid beer, and does so in a meaningful and well-integrated manner. It ends up being clean, light and easy to drink, and despite some little kinks, it ends up being a pretty compelling package.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2013 00:07:12 | More by lacqueredmouse

Halcyondays

California

3.44/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25

22 oz. bomber,

A: Pours goldenrod with a light white head, fair retention, no lace.

S: Notes of smoke and pils-style malt.

T: Bready malt and smoke with a hint of hops on the back end. Nice flavour, but nothing too substantial like Schlenkerla.

M: Light-bodied, crisp carbonation, light aftertaste of smoke and hops.

O: A good intro into rauchbiers, but it's hard not to compare this to Schlenkerla, and it's found lacking. I enjoy this beer, it's just that I've had so much better in the style.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2013 04:15:54 | More by Halcyondays

Nordura

Wisconsin

4.44/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

This was a real eye opener. One of the most interesting beers I have had this year. Smoke, toast, clean, crisp, brilliant. Refreshing with an absolute perfect balance. Did I mention smoke? I have had many smoked beers styles, but non compliment like this one. I love this style.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 22:50:14 | More by Nordura

t0rin0

California

3/5  rDev -23.9%

03-29-2013 01:52:30 | More by t0rin0

Sark

Montana

4.09/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

22oz bomber

Appearance- rough pour yields huge luscious head of eggwhite color, lacing down the glass, light gold-orange with plenty of carbonation

Smell- unavoidable, crisp pleasant aromas of bread and grassy hops

Taste- light malts fading fast, woody, earthy grains on the middle palate when held on the tongue, super fast finish

Mouthfeel- light-medium bodied with a wonderful crisp yet smooth finish, great carbonation

Overall- Really nice take on the Rauchbier style, would be a great pairing with some spicy foods

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 03:55:30 | More by Sark

Hopheadjeffery

Illinois

4/5  rDev +1.5%

03-16-2013 11:59:06 | More by Hopheadjeffery

Zachtheporter

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +1.5%

03-12-2013 18:41:34 | More by Zachtheporter

UCLABrewN84

California

3.74/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours a murky orange with a foamy tan head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt, smoked malt, and slight campfire aromas. Taste is much the same with a subdued smoke flavor on the finish. There is a very mild amount of smoke bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is super easy to drink but it's a pretty mild take on the style in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 03:25:31 | More by UCLABrewN84

garymuchow

Minnesota

3.93/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A nice smoked lager. The smoke isn't heavy or burdensome but light and in no way covers up the lager that forms the base. There are even some nice touches of sweetness that dance around the palate at times.
Lager in appears with a light straw color and rather white head.
Lighter body and some increased carbonation are consistent with the rest of the drink.
Soft smoke aroma, but it is clear right away that it is a smoke beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2013 20:38:44 | More by garymuchow

FosterJM

California

3.15/5  rDev -20.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

1721st Review on BA
Bottle to Woodshop Snifter
22oz

Shared with Eric at Herbies Birthday bash

App- Out of the bottle this was more akin to a darker larger. This was a golden yellow with some deeper golds. The head that came was a nice and fluffy 1/2"-1" off white. The whiteness struck me as well. A little bit of cling.

Smell- Normally I dont like Rauchbiers or Lagers. I was a bit off put by this one at 1st, the more I think about it the more I realize they did a nice job of integration with lager notes and yeast and a bit of smoke. Not for me, but wasnt the worst smoke beer ever.

Taste- As I just eluded that I am not a fan of lagers and smoke beers. I think this was just about average with a good bit of smoke and butter but sadly not as balanced and layered as it needed to be with that the malts and lager yeast.

Mouth- The mouth on this was just above average. The medium body was just a bit too thick and the carbonation was just a bit to thick again. Residual malts and butters.

Drink- I have said that rauchbiers dont need to be made. I believe that the smoke on most beers shouldnt be there. This was just a step up from average but I feel I am just being nice.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 00:56:52 | More by FosterJM

nuclearmeg

Wisconsin

3.75/5  rDev -4.8%

02-06-2013 01:37:00 | More by nuclearmeg

Loogs

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +1.5%

01-27-2013 20:48:52 | More by Loogs

PurpleCloud

Wisconsin

3.9/5  rDev -1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Clear, light, and golden, with a white persistent head. Nothing too remarkable about the look of it.

S: A slight barley scent and some smoke, but not a lot. Nothing close to overpowering but very well blended and pleasant.

T: A great smoky barley taste that comes out more in the aftertaste than it does on the first sip. Like the smell, it's blended extremely well with only a slight hint of hops. The smoke could be bolder.

M: Very smooth, good carbonation. Wouldn't say there's anything that takes away from mouthfeel but nothing that really adds to it either.

O: Luther's a great beer and one that's certainly worth trying. The barley aftertaste is great and more akin to a darker beer. The smokey taste however is slightly underwhelming. Despite this, the beer is very well-blended making it difficult to pick out individual tastes. Give it a shot, it's well above your average beer and definitely a pleasure to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2012 23:21:06 | More by PurpleCloud

johnkale

Wisconsin

4.1/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle poured into my New Glarus pilsener

A - dark straw in color with beautiful clarity, three fingers of tight, white head dissipate fairly quickly

S - campfire, sweet grains, grass clippings

T - flavor is slightly sweet malt, some citrus and herbal hop notes, and a nice (not overpowering) smokiness in the very dry finish. the smoke flavor is most reminiscent of burning pine if I were to try to place it

M - prickly carbonation, fairly light body

O - wow, smokey and refreshing at the same time, beautiful balance, and it plays nicely with the fatty meats I enjoy to eat with my beer so much, by far my favorite of the My Turn series that I've tried

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 19:41:32 | More by johnkale

Beeradelphia

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +1.5%

12-26-2012 02:13:58 | More by Beeradelphia

steveh

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Stumbled on this one by pure accident -- nice to see something new from an old favorite.

Odd marking on the 22 ounce bomber, but bottled during the 4th week of August (assuming this year).

A -- Clear, deep gold with a very dense, off-white head.

S -- Lightly phenolic, light smoky character. Some mild DMS and light fruitiness with warmth.

T -- Big smoke character up front. Lightly phenolic, but not at all distracting. Fades to the lightest bready character with a touch of hop spiciness in the finish. Phenols linger into the aftertaste.

M -- Mouthfeel is soft and smooth and the body is amazingly light.

O -- This is a surprising beer in that it holds a nice smoky character without being overbearing. Difficult to get that balance and still be enjoyable. But make no mistake, this is a Rauchbier -- it has that character, and if you don't like smoked beers, do not try this. On the other hand, if you do like Rauchbier, this is a great take on the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 22:07:54 | More by steveh

RichH55

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +14.2%

12-18-2012 15:45:45 | More by RichH55

1Nrwyscotch

Wisconsin

3.88/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle in a pint glass

A. nice corn yellow color with a two finger head that is almost white.

S. A smoked malt smell followed by spicy sausage

T. It is smoky and some what sweet and finishes with some smoky malt at the end.

M. It has a medium body with low carbonation

O. This if my first review of a Rauchbier and I will try more as this beer is light crisp and has this smoky malt character, lots going on but really good.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 02:52:32 | More by 1Nrwyscotch

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly hazy, pale golden orange color with a one finger frothy white head that slowly settles into a lasting ring. Spotty lacing left behind.

Lightly smoked malt aroma that has enough of a rauch/smoked beer character without overpowering the lager elements. Some campfire/charcoal along with barbecued meat and ash followed by grassy, floral hops, straw and light fruit notes. Smokey but has decent balance.

Medium bodied with a flavor profile that's very similar to the aroma. There's a tasty delicate smoked malt profile that provides great flavor without overpowering everything else. I'm a huge smoke head but for this style it's nice to have some balance. Plenty of smoke, charcoal and bacon like flavor but it's countered by paler non-smoked malt notes, grassy hops, bready yeast and light fruit sweetness. Hints of apple and pear on the back end before a slightly dry finish. Very flavorful while re sing well balanced and easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 07:56:49 | More by corby112

bound4er

Wisconsin

3.75/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A. Medium straw appearance with a two finger white head that recedes quickly.

S. Cured meat such as ham and german-style sausage is predominant with yeasty bread underneath. Nice but on the lighter side of things.

T. I was expecting the cured meat to not carry through onto the palate but it does very nicely. Ham and kielbasa followed by lager components poking through such as cracker and bread malt. Interesting beer to be sure.

M. Lighter bodied with low carbonation.

O. My first Rauchbier so it is hard to judge this against any of its peers. I enjoyed it but am not dying to revisit. Unique, well made and worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 00:40:24 | More by bound4er

Hawkharvs

Iowa

3.5/5  rDev -11.2%

12-01-2012 19:04:27 | More by Hawkharvs

Yojimbo1941

Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Hazy golden yellow with heavy orange and auburn accents. Head seems a little lacking.

S - Hoppy malt, slight amount of cereal. Maybe my nose is plugged up because I'm not getting nearly the mount of aroma I thought I would. Very, very slight smoke aroma. It must be my malfunctioning olfactory senses.

T - Nice, sort of Bohemian pilsner flavor with a bit of smoke that creeps up. For a Rauchbier it's very clean and refreshing. On the back end the smoked Beechwood flavor builds up a bit. I'm also getting a little bit of tangerine.

M - Light-medium body, the carbonation is just enough to provide a little bit of boost to the mouthfeel but it's pretty light. I'm wondering if I got a partially-flat bottle. Still, this goes down fairly easily.

O - I think I got a bottle that wasn't quite where it needed to be. However, even with the carbonation issue (assuming there is one) this is still a nice, drinkable, oddly refreshing Rauchbier. I'll buy it again to see if the carbonation is the same.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 19:17:56 | More by Yojimbo1941

nheinzie57

Illinois

3.25/5  rDev -17.5%

11-24-2012 18:09:40 | More by nheinzie57