BJCP 32A · Smoked Beer

Classic Style Smoked Beer

A classic style from the guidelines with added smoke, such as a smoked porter or bock. The smoke and the base should be in balance.

This is a specialty category, so it has no numbers of its own. Gravity, bitterness, color and alcohol are those of the base style you choose, plus whatever the special ingredient or process adds.

It can be any color: that of the base style you choose.

What Classic Style Smoked Beer is like

A beer in a classic BJCP style with smoky character. The smoke has to come through without covering up the base, which should be clearly recognizable.

Appearance

That of the base style.

Aroma

That of the base with low to strong wood smoke, which shouldn't be acrid, rubbery or tarry.

Flavor

The base style with integrated smoke. Depending on the base, the smoke can complement roasted malt, caramel or hops. No medicinal or harsh aftertastes.

Mouthfeel

Depends on the base style. The smoke can add slight dryness.

Where Classic Style Smoked Beer comes from

Until indirect-heat kilns became widespread, almost all malt had some smoke character. Today smoke is a tool breweries apply to styles such as porter, bock or Scotch ale.

Ingredients

Those of the base style plus smoked malt, usually beech- or oak-smoked. Peat-smoked malt gives a very intense character and is used in tiny amounts. Rauchbier, Piwo Grodziskie and Lichtenhainer have their own categories.

Brew it yourself

How to brew Classic Style Smoked Beer at home

Start with a moderate share of beech-smoked malt, keeping in mind that its intensity varies with the maltster and how fresh it is. If you use peated malt, keep it under 1-2%, because it turns medicinal very quickly. You have to state the base style and the type of smoke; judges look for smoke that complements the base.

Food pairing

Barbecue, smoked cheeses and smoked salmon.

Glassware: Teku glass, a tasting glass that works with almost any style.

Classic examples

Alaskan Smoked Porter

Frequently asked questions

What food pairs well with Classic Style Smoked Beer?

Barbecue, smoked cheeses and smoked salmon.

Which styles are similar?

If you like it, also try Rauchbier, Specialty Smoked Beer and American Porter.

If you like Classic Style Smoked Beer, try these

BJCP 6B