United Nations of Beer

Allagash Burnham Road

by Cristopher
(Asheville, NC)

Allagash Burnham Road
Allagash Brewery, Portland, ME

The first of our flight was Burnham Road from Allagash Brewery out of the other Portland in Maine. I was really looking forward to this beer due to the description of being smoked. I have always had a soft spot for anything that reminds of Southern Barbecue and then being from Allagash I figured you couldn't go wrong.

I stared glowingly at the dark amber liquid in front of me and tipped it for my first taste. Hmmm, not sure. Must drink another. Okay, so this one confused me. I described it immediately to my wife as tasting what a burnt out house smelled like.

Not entirely bad. I actually like the experience in some weird way. Maybe it was my glowing stare that set something on fire and that was what I was tasting.

It smelled a little leathery and smoky. I actually think this would be an amazing beer if you had a stack of wood in a backyard that your landlord forbid you to set afire. You could seriously believe it was burning if you closed your eyes real tight and had an electric heater beside you while drinking this ale.

If this review confused you, don't feel bad. The beer truly confused me. I liked it one drink and not so much the next. I do recommend pairing this beer with something charcoal grilled to enjoy it all of the way through. I do have to admit that it was fun to stump my taste buds.