Thirsty Thursday knows that the weekend is almost here, and that the classy members of the Destructoid community may want some tasty beverages that don't come from the “big three” brewers. Here's your weekly look at the world of craft beer.
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Alaskan Smoked Porter
Alaskan Brewing Company

Style: Rauchbier (Smoked Beer)
IBUs: 45
Color: As dark as you could imagine
Alcohol by Volume: 6.5 %

From the Brewers:
The dark, robust body and pronounced smoky flavor of this limited edition beer make it an adventuresome taste experience. Alaskan Smoked porter is produced in limited "vintages" each year and unlike most beers, may be aged in the bottle much like fine wine. ... Introduced in 1988, Alaskan Smoked Porter has been credited with helping inspire an American revival of smoked beers. Alaskan Smoked Porter is one of the most award-winning beers in the history of the Great American Beer Festival and a perennial winner at the World Beer Cup.

The Experts:
Definitely one of the best Smoked Porters that I have ever had, this is easily up there in the same league with my other favorites the two Stone offerings. Tasty dark chocolate malts have a smoky start, middle and finish. Peat dries and neatly balances the light caramel sweetness. Has a very distinct medicinal feel right after the swallow that is familiar in character but I can’t quiet put my finger on it. Lovely long lingering smoked finish. - BeerAdvocate.com

If you live in the lower 48 it’s a safe bet you haven’t sampled the sublime beers of the Alaskan Brewing Company, partially made with water from nearby glaciers. When we were sent a six-pack, the brewery had to rush to get the package on the last ferry leaving the city. We’re glad they made the cut-off, because this smoked style of brewing -- known as "rauchbier" in Germany -- is a historical relic worth resurrecting. Malts smoked with alder wood are used to make this robust and earthy beer, released in limited edition vintages each year. It’s fine straight out of the bottle, but also matures into a more complex beer over time, like a fine wine. - Playboy

My Take:
If you are a fan of dark beers, this is a beer you have to hunt down and try. Don't let the 'porter' scare you off – this is a rauchbier in the classic smoked style. The beer pours almost pitch-black, and has a nice creamy head that lasts almost to the bottom of the pint. Smoke dominates the nose, along with chocolate malts and the earthy smell you'd expect from a porter. Great sweet malt and chocolate taste, all wrapped up in a rich smoke flavor. Creamy mouthfeel, and super easy to drink.

Recommended if you like: Dark beer. Guinness lovers should give this a try, as well as anyone that likes coffee or chocolate stouts or porters. Or good beer. Basically, anyone that likes beer.

Availability: If you live in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, California, Nevada or Arizona you're in luck, since Alaskan has distribution. Outside of there, you can special order Smoked Porter from Liquid Solutions.

Enjoy While Playing: Portal. Alaskan Smoked Porter is a beer that really should be sipped an enjoyed. Portal has some great pacing for this, leaving lots of opportunities to sit back and have a drink when thinking through a puzzle. Plus, the high alcohol can keep you warm in the sterile Aperture Science labs. Bonus: You may find GLaDOS even funnier.

[If cocktails are more your speed, check out Excremento's C-Blog and his excellent “Look, I drink” series]