Coaster Critique: Uinta Brewing Company Tinder

IMG_6840Name: Tinder

Brewed by: Uinta Brewing Company

Style: Rauchbier (Smoked Lager)

ABV: 6.5% ABV

Tinder pours a bright gold-copper color with a frothy, bone white head that holds on for the entire glass. The beer is crystal clear, a steady carbonation is visible rising through the beer to keep the head alive.

The nose is smokey as it should be in a rauchbier, it reminds me of the gentle smoke that rises from a campfire that’s burning clean, dry wood and a little bit like bacon but I admit I might just want some bacon. There is a touch of malty sweetness in the background but it’s hard to define through the smoke.

My initial sip surprised me, having spent some time taking in the aroma of the beer I was fully expecting a mouthful of smoke, which was there but considerably more subtle than in the nose. The flavor up front is malty, slightly sweet, followed closely by a gentle smokiness that is more pronounced when you exhale. Tinder finishes clean and dry, the smokiness lingers after the swallow but never strikes me as overwhelming.

Overall a pleasant sipping beer, but I enjoy Rauchbiers and have had others that the smoke pushed the limits to borderline sickening, Tinder doesn’t even come close, it’s smokiness is smooth and flavorful and most likely an acquired taste. For old rauchbier pro’s I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this beer, to those adventurous types I’d say give it a shot, and for everyone else, just consider the flavor before you buy, do you enjoy the smell and taste of the air when sitting by a campfire? Are you a fan of smokey barbeque? If you’ve answered yes, this beer might be for you and if you said no, then I’d steer clear. Speaking of Barbeque I wish I had a platter of brisket and pulled pork to pair with this beer, that’d be a winner.

Cheers!

Chaddah

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Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.