Smoke From The Oak

Brewed By: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Brewed In: Pleasantville, NY
Type: Smoked Porter Aged In Apple Brandy Barrels
ABV: 7%

What they say:
“I am a big fan of oak aged beers, as you can probably tell from yet another addition to the “Smoke from the Oak” series. And I have to tell you, it is getting harder and harder to find new and exciting barrels to age our Smoked Porter in. This one was simply dumb luck smacking me in the face as I perused the shelves at my local liquor store. Apple Brandy has been produced in this country for centuries, so why not age our full bodied Smoked Porter in freshly emptied barrels from one of America’s oldest distilleries. Straight from the Captain’s cellar to yours, we hope you enjoy. Cheers, Scott Vaccaro.”

Website: After a click-through splash page asking if you’re over 21, the blog-like website opens to a long-scrolling front area with all sorts of info. First up is what’s in the tasting room for sampling (as well as for purchasing), as well as links to directions. Scrolling down brings you to Upcoming Events, as well as a little section detailing the various medals the beers have won in various categories. At the bottom is a link to support your local brewery, as well as a release schedule for forthcoming beers. Along the top of the page are the go-tos of About Us, The Beers, Events, and Photos/News. The Beers section is laid out well with what you’re looking for easily found. Simple, but well done.

Why this one, Mike? Scott Vaccaro loves oak aged beers, and I make no attempt to hide the fact that I do too. I first tasted Capt. Lawrence Smoke From The Oak way back in 2006 at my first Brazen Head cask festival. Since moving back to New York from Massachusetts a few months ago, I’m finding more and more of the Captain’s high quality beers available. This one was in a three-pack I found along with rum and wine barrel aged versions.

First Thoughts:
Head: Thick, good retention, dark tan.
Nose: Like a peat bog, with apple aromas evident.
Color: Deep black.

Presentation (5): Comes in a standard 25 oz. bomber bottle but with no cork-and-cage, sadly. There is stylized “Smoke From The Oak” lettering above a barrel stamped with the CL logo. This barrel is also on fire, and the wisps of fiery color swirl over the label. Also features a stamp noting which barrel it was aged in (Apple Brandy), a “Bottled in” year, serving temp, and glassware type. Distinctive on the shelf. 5

Originality (5): Not too many breweries are venturing in to smoked beer territory. It seems the tasting field is very divided and an investment in producing a smoked beer may not yield the returns one wants. So for that, we give Originality points here for a type of beer only a few breweries have produced. This is also the only barrel-aged smoked beer I’ve seen in these parts. 5

Body (10): Thick, huge, and chewy like a thick shake. The sip fills the mouth like a hoppy stout, with the added fur of the smoky peat. This thing’s nearly a food. 9

Taste (10): Smoked beers are the final tollgate in the “acquired taste” label that beer is often saddled with. To wit: when you try beer of the first time (for many of us, this was something in the Miller/A-B family of beers), anyone who drinks it with regularity says “you’ll get used to it.” After that comes the bitterness associated with pale ales. Someone who likes lagers or Belgians would hear “you’ll get used to it” when trying IPAs for the first time and coughing. But even seasoned beer pros are divided on whether or not smoked beers taste good. This beer tastes like a peaty scotch crossed with an apple-smoked hot dog. Amidst the smoky flavor haze you can taste the apple notes, and they are distinct. Any hop bitterness seems to have been smoked away, and what was left has been smoothed out by the barrel aging. Take note however, this beer is not sweet by any means. 8

Efficiency (10): Not sure how to call this one. On one hand 25 ounces of 7% beer would rank pretty high. On the other hand this is a beer of which not too many people would be able to get through one glass, much less the 2-and-change that’s in the bottle. I’ll middle-road it. 6

Versatility (10): Not super-high due to smoked beer being an acquired taste. This beer would obviously go great with smoked meats or cheeses, as the flavors would meld quite well. I’d also put this in the “last beer” category, meaning this is a good one with which to end your time at the bar since it’ll destroy your palette. 6

Final Score: 39 – Really Good Beer. If you find this in your local store, pick one up and try it. Recommended for people who like Islay region Scotch, as well.

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