Manzanita Brewing's Where There's Smoke

Where There's Smoke was a beer that I actually got through craftbeerconnect.com.  I had actually ordered a Wee Heavy, but they were out of stock.  Instead, Craft Beer Connect sent Where There's Smoke, and I'm not dissatisfied at all.

Manazantia is a brewery out of San Diego, which I'm pretty sure means Whale's Vagina.  We can agree to disagree if you don't believe me..

Manazantia Brewing Company

Where There's Smoke is a smoked ale which is "Smoked Rye Ale Brewed with Chile Peppers".  The beer pours black with a small head and has an average smokey smell.  I received the beer in a bomber, and drank straight from it, and pours into a goblet.  Where There's Smoke is 7.4 ABV.

The taste is a pleasant mixture of dulled chocolate malts with smoke and a slight spicy kick in the aftertaste.  I found the beer very pleasant and drinkable.  It would likely go well with some sort of heavier beef dish, but that's certainly not my area of expertise.  I'm definitely a fan, but probably wouldn't want to drink a lot of these in a row due to the powerful flavors.  I found a single bomber to be perfect.  Apparently Where There's Smoke is a winter seasonal ale.

I have another bomber waiting for me in the fridge, and that's a good thing. 

My score: 85/100

Beer Rating Key

100-90: The best beers.  Beers that I go out of my way to drink often.

89-70: Recommended beers.  Beers that I drink when the opportunity presents itself.  

69-50: Average beers.  Mostly drank only when nothing better is available.
49-30: Below average beers.  Only drank out of desperation.
30-0:  The worst beers.  Only drank so I can say how terrible they are on this blog.