Judge's Review: 96 Rating - Maple Barrel Aged Smoked Porter by pFriem Family Brewers

Maple Barrel Aged Smoked Porter by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a BJCP style 33B (Specialty Wood Aged Beer) with underlying style 32B (Specialty Smoked Beer) and a base style of American Porter (style 20A). Not too complicated, right? This beer pours an opaque very deep brown with a small head of tan tiny bubbles that fades quickly.  Aroma is slightly roasty with a smoke character between smoked ham and a big campfire alongside light floral notes. The flavor is breakfast bacon in maple syrup with a backdrop of coffee and light roast, well balanced. Earthy and citrus hops round out the flavor, and there's just enough bittering to keep the malts tamed. Full body and medium carbonation, finishing with a nice balance of maple, campfire smoke, and roast - all at about even levels and all lingering. The beer is really a melange of flavors that could be a big mess, but this beer balances everything very nicely. This really is an excellent beer for a breakfast; huevos rancheros slathered with mole would pair very well, or you could pair this with smoked brisket for dinner.