Gasthaus-Brauerei Braustelle Freigeist Abraxas

Photo Credit: J.C. Edwards

The Brewers:
Company: Gasthaus-Brauerei Braustelle
Location: Christianstraße 2 50825 Cologne, Germany
Website: www.braustelle.com/

The Beer:
Style: Berliner Weissbier-Rauchbier hybrid
ABV: 3.8%
Served: On tap at Tria's of Philadelphia (http://www.triacafe.com/)

The Drink:
Drank out of a 10oz. pokal glass

Beer pours light brown, with a decent haze and a thick white head.  Head hangs around for a while and laces well.  

Aroma of subtle, smooth peat smoke, complemented by a tangy-fruity character.  As far as fruit aroma goes, I got some apricot, banana and orange, but definitely don't take that as gospel, I could be making stuff up.

Beer starts with a decent buzz, and a strong peated smoke flavor.  Middle is sour, with a creamy/full body. Smoke builds again into the finish, and articulates excellently with the sourness.  Smoke and acidity are also complimented by the traditional "husky" wheat character.  Sour and peaty character contribute to a lasting, refreshing finish.  

Overall:
Probably one of the more interesting beers I've had, and the fact that it comes from Germany is extremely surprising, given the strangle-hold the Reinheitsgebot has over there.  This beer has a foot in two style territories: one in Berliner-weiss and one in Rauchbier.  The traditional wheaty-tartness and fruit flavor of a Weiss-bier and the smokey backbone of a rauchbier are coupled together in this beer to make a fantastic hybrid.  Not exactly for the faint-of-heart or for someone without a flare for the unusual, this beer is definitely interesting, and definitely well-crafted.  Not an easy-drinking beer, and don't expect to want more than one at a time.