Maturon
Brewery: St Elmo Brewing Co
Style: Specialty Smoked Beer (32B)
Package: 16oz Can
Purchased: HEB Tech Ridge, June, 2020
Canned Date: May 22, 2020
Consumed Date: August 11, 2020
Details From the Brewer
ABV: 4.2%
More than 10 weeks ago, we had our friends from Jester King Brewery over to brew a very special collaboration with us. They brought a few sacks full of Juniper bark, tips, and berries from their farm. We added some very special Texas smoked malt from Blacklands Malt, plus some heirloom Texas grain from Barton Springs Mill. All these fresh and local ingredients were finished off with German Lager yeast and time.
Review
Aroma – 7/12
A subtle smell or charcoal hits the nose first. Tangy, freshly baked bread and honey malt character joins this quickly. As it warms, the smoke character turns to more of a campfire, ashy character. Clean fermentation with a bit of earthiness and floral berry.
Appearance – 3/3
Pours a deep copper colored liquid. The head is stark white with small and medium bubbles. Stays around with good retention. Good clarity.
Flavor – 14/20
Similar to the nose, a subtle ashy, charcoal character is first to hit the tongue. A low sweetness joins this with a berry flavor. A light bread crust malt tone. There a bit of an earthy, leather flavor that appears in the mid-taste along with a low-medium bitterness. These flavors fade towards the finish which leaves behind a slight ashy flavor. Clean fermentation.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
A medium bodied beer with moderate carbonation hitting the front of the mouth. Soft mouthfeel throughout the taste and through the slow finish.
Overall Impression – 7/10
This is a really interesting concept. The smoke character in this beer is very unique. It wasn’t to my liking, but the subtle use didn’t overpower the beer. The juniper was also subtle, but noticeable. This comes off almost like a lager version of Gotlandsdricka, but doesn’t quite nail the balance of flavors.
Rating – 35/50
A great tribute to Tre Minor who has worked at both Jester King and St Elmo, along with many other beer establishments in Austin. I like that St. Elmo has ventured into the lager game over the past 1.5yr or so. It’s nice to sip on one after downing a liter of Carl Kolsch when at the taproom.
Disclaimer: St. Elmo has paid me in the past for photography services.
