Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale - Smuttynose Brewing Company

kangarooAdam59

Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Into a pint glass:

A: maple brown colored body that gave way to a one finger white foamy head and left some spotty yet in a spiderweb pattern running down the sides of the glass. There weren't any rings down the side.

S: some nuts and caramel which was very well balanced.

T: some sweet malty and brown sugar tones to it. The nuts and the caramel come back slightly in the background.

M: medium with a good smoothness coating the tongue and mouth just right.

Overall, this is good for the style and good for me.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 16:37:48 | More by kangarooAdam59

cosmicevan

New York

4.1/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

bottle poured into a blue point snifter.

a - brew poured a deep brown with some amber highlights along the sides of the glass. HUGE frothy cream colored head that hung out for pictures and left chunky milkshake like lacing. one of the more attractive brown ales i've seen. lacing is huge and all over the glass.

s - malts and brown sugar. nutty breadiness. a touch of metalic oxidation (note - this beer has been in my fridge for a few months).

t - nice flavor. brown sugar malts. nuts, caramel, apple. REALLY tasty. one of the better browns i've had. good sweetness, great balance.

m - mouth is a bit watery, but nice carbonation. light to medium bodied.

o - overall, another winner from smutty. really easy drinker and one of the better browns i've had. very accessible. i'd have this again and again and again.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2012 02:59:40 | More by cosmicevan

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.9/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured on-tap and served in a tumbler pint, the beer is a deep, auburn-brown color that is crisp and clean looking. A low profile, filmy white head sits atop the brew. The beer has a light nose of nut and caramel. The flavor profile is a blending of roasted and rich sweetness, with a toffee-nut backbone and a very light hopping at the end. Smooth, clean finish, with a lightly sweet and roasted aftertaste. This is a tasty staple beer that you can't go wrong having on hand in your fridge.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2012 23:37:18 | More by GarthDanielson

mscudder

Georgia

4.1/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Dark brown with a nice thick head. Leaves quality lacing.

S - Spice infested sharp cherries. Perhaps some caramel and chocolates. Overall very impressive for a brown.

T - Nice cherry taste coats the palate with some spices to back it up. Behind these flavors I find some chocolate and nut flavors. This is fairly malty for a brown, but I personally prefer a little backbone to the beer. One of the best browns I have had to date.

M - Smooth with a medium body. The spices are complimented well by the carbonation.

O - Overall this is a fantastic brown. I feel the style is the only thing limiting this beer from near perfection. Cheers to my favorite Smuttynose brew!

Serving type: growler

03-27-2012 06:04:56 | More by mscudder

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -16%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Ba Review #143
Served On: 03/20/2012
Glassware: Tröegs Pint Glass
Labeled ABV: -
Date/ Code: 7/16/12

This was in the current mixed 12 pack I found at Self Serve Beverage in York, PA.

Look: Beer poured a semi-clear caramel color with a little haze. Head was ½ finger of tight kaki bubbles that slowly dissolved to nothing.

Smell: Was of a nutty biscuit with a slight hoppiness noticeable Also some earthy spice.

Taste: Toffee notes seemed to dominate. Some toasted malt came through in the middle. Finish was rather dry with some roasted malts lingering into the aftertaste.

This was an interesting brown ale. The complexity wasn’t quite there. But overall the palate seemed pleasing. I would definitely drink this again if offered up.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 03:08:39 | More by CraftBeerTastic

sleuthdog

Illinois

3.55/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a tulip

A: Dark Brown to smokey red in color. Nice white two finger head that disappears quickly. Moderate lacing is evident.

S: I pick up brown sugar at first and foremost. Right behind that is some nutty notes and dark fruit.

T: A pleasant nutty taste. Caramel with some more nutty malts and brown sugar. Odd metallic taste on the finish. Hops do not seem to show themselves at all as they seem to be mild at best.

M: Medium mouthfeel with pretty evident carbonation. This one does not linger too long at all.

O: I like this brown ale. It is a definite easy drinker as I could easily put away a few of these.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2012 01:05:06 | More by sleuthdog

wafers

New York

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a nice dark orange to cherry-red color, moderate foamy head that lingers for some time
S: Light aroma of roasted caramel but mostly neutral aroma
T: Dark chocolate, slight hints of bitter hops, some roasted oakiness towards the finish
M: Medium to full-bodied, very drinkable
O: Flavorful brown ale; has some hints of that coffee/chocolate flavor that's seen in stouts but is somelight lighter with a distinctive bitterness; again very tasty, can definitely down a few of these

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2012 05:18:06 | More by wafers

NoLeafClover44

Delaware

3.95/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass.

A - Pours a deep aurburn color with a one finger white head that says hello, then promptly leaves. There is a noticeable amount of suspended micro-specs; enough to make it cloudy, but not enough to make it uninviting. Good lacing.

S - The most prominent smell is probably brown sugar. This is accompanied by toasty malt, dark fruits, and nuttiness.

T - Nice sweetness to it with caramel, dark fruits, and some nutmeg. Toasted malt and black coffee beans are also present. Slightly bitter on the finish, although it is still smooth. I like the complexity yet there is a mellowness of the flavors.

M - Medium bodied with adequate carbonation. Slightly thin, but it is very drinkable and smooth.

O - Another very good beer from Smuttynose. It isn't as flavorful as some brown ales, but the taste is balanced and complex. It goes down easy and I could probably have several without getting sick of it. I will probably get this beer again.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2012 03:59:13 | More by NoLeafClover44

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on 2012-03-07 in Columbia, PA

A - Dark, mildly-hazy mahogany with ruby at the glass edges. 1-finger light tan head and light lacing.

S - Dark fruit like dried cherries, spicy, caramel malt. Pretty nice.

T - Nicely echoes the dark cherries from the smell, supported with a nice tang from the hops and a lightly roasted and caramel malt sweetness. The aftertaste leans towards sour cherries and decent hop bitterness.

M - Medium body and carbonation. Pretty smooth and a little prickly.

O - An enjoyable brown ale. Quite different than a stout or porter of the same strength. I enjoyed the flavor combination of fruit and bitterness. Good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2012 22:49:10 | More by Tucquan

Looneybiz

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Ill start off by saying that I'm not crazy about overly malty brown ales but for the style it was good.

Brown and dusky. Think sediment, not translucent. Bottle had a dog on it, so it gets points for that. Head wasn't there for very long but started off good at 2 fingers.

Smell was amazing. You almost think your about to drink a chocolate/caramel milkshake from the aroma.

Taste was very very malty. Too malty for me, but thats the style. I couldn't make out anything but the malt and some nut flavor.

Creamy and drinkable and if you like this kind of beer, than you would probally think it was great.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2012 05:43:02 | More by Looneybiz

TheSarge

Illinois

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured this one into a standard pint glass and makes a solid two finger thick off white head, and has a cleanly filtered dark copper colored body.

The aroma is slight chocolate, cola, nutty, and a hint of lemon.

In the taste Im getting the light chocolate and nut flavor, along with metallic and lemony hops.

Feels mildly carbonated, powdery and dry to the palate.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2012 00:42:46 | More by TheSarge

iabeerbaron

Iowa

3.23/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12 ounce bottle,that I bought at Family Beer and Liquor in East Dubuque, IL. Pours dark brown with a tan head. Smell is malty, nutty, with a little bit of chocolate and caramel. Taste is very similar with some raisin type flavor going on also. A really enjoyable brown ale.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 15:00:28 | More by iabeerbaron

Tschnab

New York

4.1/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- dark orange with a hazy body and two fingers of off white head.

S- nutty, malt that brings bread and caramel, some brown sugar and cocoa.

T- the start is toasted grain, brown sugar, caramel, and the finish is dark chocolate and coffee.

O- a really solid brown ale with big bold
flavors. Everything I want from a brown ale.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 22:53:39 | More by Tschnab

kylehay2004

Florida

4.38/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Half finger head with light lacing on a cloudy on a very nice amber and brown body. Caramel malts and brown sugar in the aroma. Flavor is more of the same with the addition of nutty and chocolate notes. Medium body and moderate to high carbonation. Overall the hops are well represented, the taste is complex and there is no bad aftertaste making this one very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

02-14-2012 00:41:45 | More by kylehay2004

ckollias

Maryland

3.95/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Enjoyed this bottle out of a large snifter glass.

A: Pours a slightly hazy brown hue with a white ole 4-finger white head that slowly dissipates, leaving a nice trail down the glass, and ending in an solid persistent lace.

S: Crisp brown sugar and phenolic aroma and dark fruits in the background.

T: Slightly sweet and tart flavor with a chocolate and toasted malt background. Hints of dark fruits in the background.

M: Medium body and high carbonation.

O: This is a solid brown ale. Well balanced and tasty.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 02:20:47 | More by ckollias

RTEdmunds

New Hampshire

3.78/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

much cloudier than I expected! some reddish undertones as well.

aroma is not particularly strong. smells pretty sweet to me.

nice sweet flavor, some mild spicy notes in there. can detect a bit of caramel if I think about it.

feels nice in the mouth, very drinkable.

Overall a solid brown ale

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 03:52:01 | More by RTEdmunds

NiceTaps

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I drank this from apint glass, served on tap.

A- It is brown. The head is creamy white with good lacing and retention.

S- mild sweet malts and spices/caramels/chocolates.

T-The sweet malt taste and caramel/chocolte flavors are upfront. I missed picking up any hops.

M-Good and creamy body.

O- This is a good brew that packs some punch.
I am not a big fan of brown ale but I find this one is OK.

Serving type: on-tap

01-29-2012 03:24:13 | More by NiceTaps

johnnnniee

New Hampshire

3.28/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Its been a while since I've had one of these, and since I haven't reviewed it, today is the day to change that.
Pours a deep slightly cloudy crimson color with a huge off white head that recedes but never leaves. Smells of toffee and brown sugar with some earthy hops thrown in the mix for contrast. Slight bit of dark fruits like plums and cherries, a hint of alcohol and butter in there as well. Taste is malty sweet with a distinct bit of dark fruit and ethanol. Lots of toffee and brown sugar and luckily not much butter survives. Light earthy hop flavor helps balance the malt. Medium body and level of carbonation with a sweet earthy mineral mouthfeel. Don Henley said "Don't look back you can never look back." I remember really enjoying this beer but today I fell like I could take it or leave it. Decent beer but not my cup of tea anymore.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 01:16:16 | More by johnnnniee

drabmuh

Maryland

3.5/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

At the time of this reveiw, this beer is #36 on the top American brown ale list. Served in a New Belgium globe glass.

Beer is brown, mostly clear thin lazy head, low retention, low carboantion, low lacing.

Aroma is mildly roasty a little sweet.

Beer is medium to light in body, flavors are thin on the palate, minimal malt, mildly bitter roast finish, finish is nice, I'd have again nice standby beer but rather unremarkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2012 02:22:59 | More by drabmuh

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This has been sitting in the back of my fridge for a while, almost forgot about it.

Pours a dark amber with a slight haze to it and lots of carbonation bubbles. Off-white head retains pretty well as a thick ring and cap.

Caramel malt, toasty malt, surprising amount of dark fruit in the scent. Decent strength.

Quite a bit of dark fruit and hops (light fruit and maybe some herbal) for a brown, it took a few sips to get used to but I think it works well here. Backed up by mostly caramel malt with some cocoa and toastiness.

Pretty smooth mouthfeel with medium carbonation, it's on the bitter side, but pretty refreshing and easy drinking overall. Maybe a touch of alcohol in the finish.

Definitely hoppier and fruitier than your average brown ale but it's well integrated here. The availability and price in this area definitely make it one of the go-to's for the style.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2012 02:57:10 | More by Chico1985

WYVYRN527

Minnesota

3.88/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce bottle poured into a pint glass.

A: reddish brown with slight haze. Eggshell head settles slowly to a thin surface film. Lacing is pretty minimal.

S: Smells more like a a winter warmer than a brown. Sweet and a bit spicy, with dried fruit notes and little hop presence.

T: very malt-forward, with caramel, toast, and brown sugar, while yeast gives a fruity, spicy tone. Floral hop character appears on the end, but a bit faint.

Notes: This beer has a lot going on. I don't think its style suits it. Very good, with great flavor and good mouthfeel, but just a bit off for the style. I would try it again, but there are other Smuttynose offerings I would go for beforehand.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 04:20:09 | More by WYVYRN527

Kendo

New York

4.22/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Poured from the bottle into a pint glass. Body is orangey-reddish amber with a small ecru-colored head.

S: Definite nuttiness - which I like in a brown ale - over some caramel malt. Hint of cocoa. Touch of earthy hops.

T: Nice tasting brown ale - hazelnut, cocoa powder and caramel malt/toffee-like sweetness. Some dark bread and fruitiness too. I don't get a big hop presence, but I think there's a little bit of lemony bitterness providing a smidge of balance, keeping this from being all sweetness. Clean.

M: Light-to-medium in heft, carbonation is modest.

O: A good beer. A bit stronger than your average English Brown Ale, yet not as hoppy as some American offerings.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2012 02:04:29 | More by Kendo

Brabander

Netherlands

3.5/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I got this beer last week from the states and tonight was the night to pop open this bottle. I completely forgot which BA traded this one with me, sorry for that, too much going on!

Poured in my Struise glas this beer has some smaller problems to get started. I had to pour it with a little force in the glass. Then it give a decent head which gives a light sizzle in the glass. No lacing and the fluid is like very dark tea.

Smell is sweet and a bit caramellic. Sweet taste with not much depth. Drinkable but not more than that.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 21:23:11 | More by Brabander

FanofHefe

Illinois

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle poured into a Duvel tulip; best by date of June, 2012. Mostly clear, light brown body with substantial red hue. Dense two-finger tan head that has good retention and leaves nice lacing.

The aroma starts off sweet but quickly jumps to a light, roasted malt note. There is a bit of spice coming through and just a hint of chocolate.

The flavor is similar to the aroma, but features much more of the roasted malt, although it is not "heavy." Light notes of spice, toffee, and hops make an appearance as well. Tastes like a light porter to me.

Medium mouthfeel and very enjoyable. One of the better brown ales I've had.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2012 23:11:14 | More by FanofHefe

Bendurgin

Maine

3.83/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass. Pours a hazy light brown with a finger of beige head.

Big malt aromas with hints of toffee in the background with a little bit of cocoa and some slight bitter hops. Rich malty and somewhat buttery flavor with some toasted nuts and a little bit of caramel in the finish. A subtle presence of fruits also.

A little bit heavier than I would prefer on the feel with good carbonation. Overall a pretty tasty brew. I usually only end up with this one from the variety pack, but I always enjoy it.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2012 03:30:03 | More by Bendurgin