Introduction

Punkrach comes to as by means of a collaboration between Canadian punk rock legend John Wright – aka Johnny Hanson - (of NoMeansNo and the Hanson Brothers) and Le Trou du Diable. Not just a celebrity loaning his name to beer, the story of this partnering spans multiple years. It began with the release of a DVD called “All Grain Brewing with Johnny Hanson” (a guide to DIY home-brewing) that a couple of fans in Shawinigan, Quebec got their hands on and who then reached out to John to play a show in their brew pub. Those fans expanded that brewpub into a full-production craft brewery by the name of Le Trou du Diable and in 2012, they came back together to collaborate on this exact beer. A sip or swig will bring you back to long, beautiful nights spent around a campfire. Or sweaty nights rocking out to your favourite punk. A Note about Rauchbier: This is an old German style of beer that uses malted barley that has been dried over an open fire of beech wood, imparting a unique smokiness. This beer style can be an acquired taste and we believe Punkrauch is a nice example of a rauchbier that is approachable for learning to appreciate the style.

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How it looks

Pours a hazy dark brown with a red-orange hue and an off-white, frothy head.

How it smells

Smells of roasted grains, chocolate, and smokehouse with a hint of peat rounded out with caramel, walnuts and bacon.

How it tastes

With a medium, creamy body, on the palate this beer offers up a subtle smoke flavour with a dry, bitter roasted malt character. Some sweetness comes through nicely with notes of caramel, dark fruit, nuts and is rounded out with a touch of bacon. Beer and bacon is always a good combination so beer that tastes like bacon really takes the proverbial cake.

Recommended food pairing

If you’re not a fan of smoked beer, the best trick for learning to appreciate this style is to pair it with food. Bratwurst profits from the smoked malt, which kicks up the meat’s savouriness and the maltyness provides a nice counterpoint to accompanying sauerkraut or mustard. Add some grilled asparagus and roasted mushrooms on the side. Finish with apple pie, gingerbread or sticky toffee pudding and you’ve got a complete meal of perfect pairings.