Smuttynose Scotch Style Ale (Big Beer Series) - Smuttynose Brewing Company

Etan

Illinois

4.16/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

2012 vintage.

A. Pours a very dark woody amber with a nice egg shell-colored head.

S. Smells of toffee, caramelized grain, light earthiness, leather, brown sugar, mild hop note.

T. Light peatiness, dark bread, caramel, earthy bitterness, some dryish dark fruits (plums, raisins), a bit of estery spice on the end.

M. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.

O. Really nice scotch ale. The peated malt is not overpowering at all.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 04:56:53 | More by Etan

gueuzeonhigh

Maine

3.48/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

I may be warped by what I expect out of a scotch ale-- probably from quaffing too many McEwans Scotch Ales.

This is a hearty beer.
It fell somewhat flat in my glass-- I had wished for a more vibrant presentation-- but it lay silent and non-descript in the confines of my glass..

Nose too was rather plain.

The flavor was the great redeemer-- a strong bold flavor stance. Notes of peat, malt supported on a foundation of hops bitterness. Malt created a balance of the hops-- I'd declare I tasted caramel and other things not really related to the ingredients-- clover maybe?

Mouthfeel is quite cordial- nice balance of flavor, carbonization and finish.

I think that the SmuttyNose "Big Beer Series" have been eminently enjoyable.. So far they have all been satisfying.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 02:34:38 | More by gueuzeonhigh

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clean orange-ish to brown in color with an off white head. In the aroma, a sweet caramel roast, with notes of peat. In the taste, Alcohol stands up, a sweet roast, small caramel roast, and a hint of smoke. A smooth and medium to bigger bodied mouthfeel, with a dry smoke and sweet caramel and peat in the aftertaste. A really nice balance, dry to sweet, nice presence of smoke, caramel and peat.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 15:12:17 | More by OWSLEY069

Lawl3ss

Texas

4.31/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

2012 vintage. Lightly chilled 22 oz. bomber into a stemless tulip.

Look- Pours a deep amber with a generous frothy beige head. Good retention, sparse lace.

Smell- Interesting. Sweet, light smokiness that comes off as more of a spicy accent than anything. Toasted caramel, apple, licorice, brown sugar, spice. Very nice.

Taste- Similar to the aroma, assertively malty, sweetness is there but inoffensive, works well with an interesting candied apple/heather/honey-doused biscuit/floral melange. Finishes with toasted crusty bread, light spice and a faint touch of booziness. There's a bit of a sharper edge and lingering flavor that makes me wonder if there's rye in there somewhere. Aftertaste is more toast and a light tealike bitterness.

Mouthfeel- Full, rich, creamy, smooth, light warming, hefty but not sluggish. Spot-on.

Overall- Smuttynose is always good, and this offering's no exception. Robust, well-rounded flavors without going overboard in any area. Exceptionally well constructed and executed, I would certainly pick it up again if I could.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 05:43:29 | More by Lawl3ss

woosterbill

Connecticut

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber courtesy of SmuttyJim, enjoyed at a recent bottle share at NEBCO. From notes.

A: Clear russet body under some fine tan froth. Ok retention, spotty lace. Not bad.

S: Sweet malt, some cotton candy, and lots of vinous dark fruits. Quite good.

T: Opens with figs and grapes, followed by toffee, vanilla, and some chocolate. Tasty.

M: Lively medium body. Nice.

O: Solid brew. The wine barrel notes add some welcome complexity.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 02:39:16 | More by woosterbill

Tone

Missouri

4.3/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear, brown color. 1/3 inch head of an off-white color. Great retention and slight lacing. Smells of sweet malt, hops, hint of spruce, all spice, hint of roasted malt, and a hint of smoke. Fits the style of a Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy. Mouth feel is smooth and clean, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of sweet malt, hops, hint of smoke, hint of alcohol, all spice, and slight roasted malt. Overall, good aroma, feel, blend, body, and complexity.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 15:08:51 | More by Tone

puboflyons

New Hampshire

4.05/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

From the big bottle, 2012 edition. Sampled on December 28, 2012.

It pours a nice looking amber brown with red hues and great clarity. The off-white head is small but it lasts.

The aroma is vibrant with sweet malts and red grapes, perhaps due to the wine-barrel aging. Scotch ales tend to be very malty and this one has this added dash of character.

The body is medium but doesn't hold its consistency too long. Still, it is not problematic.

The taste is a bit different from the aroma because while it brings out the sweet malty character and this wine-like thingy, it also evolves into a moderately bitter finish. Not your typical Scotch ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 02:53:06 | More by puboflyons

PicoPapa

Connecticut

3.63/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle with Bottle Conditioned 2012 notched on the label. Pours a semi translucent dark chestnutty brown with an inch of frothy brown head. Good amount of lacing. Aroma is malts and earth with floral hints. A bit bready and sweet. Boozey. The taste is malts and earth with some warming alcohol. Hints of smoke, cherries and flowers. This Scotch Ale has a bit more floralness and a bit less alcohol flavor than I'd like but it is still good. Slightly reminiscent of cough medicine. Creamy, heavy mouthfeel. Overall, its decent but is lacking a bit.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 02:28:29 | More by PicoPapa

keithmurray

Louisiana

3.53/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz poured into a chalice

Appearance - translucent copper color with khaki head

Smell - Cherry, cinnamon, spice from some toasted malts, caramel

taste - caramel, cherries, peat, cinnamon

mouthfeel - high carbonation, medium bodied, slightly sweet in the beginning, the finish is unrefined

Overall - This was a decent beer, but does not stand up as well against some of the other Scotch ales that I've had. This tastes closer to an imperial amber ale versus a scotch ale.

Price Point - $6.99/22oz bottle

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 23:01:17 | More by keithmurray

champ103

Texas

3.28/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Dublin O'Neil's in Champaign, IL

A: Pours a clear amber/orange color. A one finger white head forms and recedes after a minute. Light lace is left.
S: Pale malts in the nose. Crystal, light caramel, and a big cereal grainy aroma. The malts are there, but kind of the opposite of what I want my Wee Heavy's to be.
T: Again, crystal and pale malts. Caramel sweetness and big cereal/grain flavors. Warming alcohol is noticeable. I wish there was something else besides some sweetness and pale malts.
M/D: A medium body and ultra fine carbonation. Velvety soft. There is some noticeable warming alcohol present. Though not huge. Still not something I am really enjoying.

I completely get that not all "Scottish Ales" are the same. This just lacks character to me, and with a Wee Heavy specifically I want some deep toasted malts, chocolate, and smoke. This is a malty, slightly sweet pale strong amber ale. For me, not what I am looking for in the style.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2012 19:33:13 | More by champ103

rlee1390

Indiana

4.15/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A-Brown in the glass, clear amber in the light, one finger tan head.

S-Lots of malt, roasted and caramel with a little smoke rounding out

T-Good balance, malty, peat, caramel and some chocolate, even some darker fruits.

M-Medium bodied, creamy with nice carbonation

O-A solid scotch ale, good all around with solid balance.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 20:20:14 | More by rlee1390

BrownAleMale

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bomber poured into a Gulden Draak tulip glass

Appearance- A mahogany color with 2 fingers of white head that dissipates to about a half finger and leaves a nice sticky lacing.

Smell- Getting lots of carmel with the smoked peat

Taste- Follows the nose pretty well. The carmel is up front with a bit of dark fruit and finished with a long smoke taste. My only problem with the flavor is that I would have liked a little more sweetness to balance the peat.

Mouthfeel- Medium body with a decent amout of carbonation.

Overall- A rockin scotch ale. It misses a few beats to be a perfect scotch ale but definitly top 2 for the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2012 05:21:14 | More by BrownAleMale

1Nrwyscotch

Wisconsin

3.68/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle porued into a pint glass

A. A nice dark amber color with about two fingers of off white head which disappeared rather quickly. No lacing observed until after the beer warmed some.

S. I smell some earthy tones, some sweet malt and some smoke.

T. The taste is kinda muted and reminds me more of an Irish Red rather than a Scotch Ale. It does finish with some bitterness and is enjoyable, just not what I was expecting in a Scotch ale which ussually showcase some booziness where the alcohol is hidden here.

M. It has a medium mouthfeel with a creamy texture.

O. I enjoyed the beer but it was not quite what I was expecting, I would get it again though.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 01:44:04 | More by 1Nrwyscotch

SawDog505

New Hampshire

3.48/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a 13 oz tulip glass, 2012. Pours a reddish brown, with a half inch of off white head, leaves very little lace. Smell is peat, brown sugar, biscuit, smoke, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Taste is mainly sweet, with some smoke in the finish. Body is medium, a little more carbonation, a little dry as expected, and easy drinking. This is a nice Scotch Al, but earth shattering no.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 02:50:29 | More by SawDog505

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Snagged a bottle for about 6 bucks at Giant Eagle. Always enjoy these Smuttynose big beers!

A - I really love the overall appearance. A well over 1/2 inch of sticky opaque colored head that clings to all sides of my glass and never really subsides. Tiny bubbles still floating to the top and just underneath is a clear deep chestnut brown colored goodness.

S - Mild but good. Smoked peat, touch of charcoal roast, and mostly caramel like malts make for a great beer. Also getting some hops so this might be better than expected.

T - Nothing mind blowing and thankfully the smoked peat flavor is minimal because I kind of hate excessive peat flavors (I am looking at you New Holland Chinook Rye!) Mild acidic hops, sweet balanced caramel malts, and mild Rauchbier goodness highlight.

M - Hides the ABV well and seems oily with a slick creamy body.

Overall it doesn't beat their imperial stout or even the Baltic porter but I really enjoyed this offering. Not my favorite style so I shall no revisit.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2012 03:05:17 | More by DrDemento456

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.8/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a wellington beer glass.

Appearance: Brownish amber, bubbles little heavy on the body when placed to the light. Head is slightly off-white rising to about 1/3".

Smell: Malty but light. I like the smell but this isn't the scent that is going to wow you.

Taste: There is nothing I can complain about, slight coffee a bitterness that is unique but still seen in other scotch ales but still makes this brew prime.

Mouth: Easy to drink and smooth. it isn't overwhelmingly sticking but just enough to to satisfy the palates.

Overall: This is a very good beer. I have a slight preference to another scotch ale which I like to keep steady in my fridge. This beer is good but not on the level on which I was expecting but overall above satisfying. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 06:23:54 | More by BlurryVisi0n

bluejacket74

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 ounce bottle, 2012 vintage. Served in a Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass, the beer pours a mostly clear dark reddish/amber color with a half inch light tan head. Head retention is good, and there's a small amount of lacing. Aroma is nice and malty, it smells like caramel malt, peat/smoke, dark fruit, toffee, and a bit of tea. Taste is mostly like the aroma, but there's also some bitter herbs and some wood noticeable. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit creamy and coating with moderate carbonation. I think it's a good overall brew. Definitely worth a try at just $5.99 a bomber.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2012 22:27:56 | More by bluejacket74

billab914

Virginia

3.95/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle poured into my Devil's Backbone glass. It poured a deep mahogany color with a thin tan head barely covering the top of the beer. Very nice looking color to it.

The aroma has a strong presence of both caramel malts and bready grains. It's get some crisp fruit notes to it as well that seem to keep it pretty balanced for the style. Pretty nice aroma for the style overall.

The taste shows a little more of the rich, caramel malts along with a touch of chocolate. The finish again shows some crisp fruits that help give it some balance. It' got a long dry finish to it as well.

The mouthfeel is leaning towards the heavier side of the style with carbonation being a little below average. Overall, it was a very solid beer of the style. They managed to show off the maltiness but also keep it pretty well balanced. Very enjoyable version of the style overall.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2012 01:55:55 | More by billab914

Gosox8787

New Hampshire

4.33/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Presentation: Bomber bottle chilled and poured into a Cigar City tulip glass. 2012 vintage clocks in at 8.2% ABV. Apparently this vintage was partially aged in red wine barrels according to Smuttynose.

Appearance: Cloudy medium to dark brown in color. Some orange/ruby highlights throughout. Pours a creamy light beige colored head. About one finger in height that recedes into a very thin lacing.

Aroma: Some light smoke and peat notes upfront. Lots of dark fruit notes with some grape and red wine notes that are a bit stronger than I expected. A touch of alcohol but it is well hidden for the most part.

Taste: The peat and smoke notes really stand out. The peat is really nicely done and the smoke is not overwhelming at all. A light sweetness of caramel, dark fruits and a touch of the wine barrels under the initial smoke and peat. The balance of those are really nicely done.

Mouthfeel: Really nice full and creamy mouthfeel. Really nice sharp carbonation.

Overall, a really nicely done scotch ale that does a great job of balancing the peat, smoke and underlying sweetness of the malt. The wine barrel notes are not overdone at all, but definitely show a bit in the aroma and taste. Considering the complexity of this beer and the price, this is definitely a good deal.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2012 02:30:13 | More by Gosox8787

Treebs

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at Quality in Champaign. Served in a shaker pint.

A: Pours a dark ruby color with a thin tan head forming on the pour. It recedes to a thin film and leaves splotches of lace.

S: Nice peaty smoke with a touch of roasted malts. Nice sweetness as well with just a touch of hops.

T: Nice peat flavors with a little smokey malt. Some roasted malt notes with a little backend sweetness. Minimal hop flavors in the background as well.

M: Medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and a medium carbonation level.

O: This was a pretty straightforward scotch ale. Nice peat and smoke with a sweet malt profile.

Serving type: on-tap

11-04-2012 14:09:19 | More by Treebs

Kinsman

New Hampshire

4.05/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I vaguely remember having a scotch ale from the last release in 2008 but it's nice to try the updated 2012 version.

Pours a really nice dark mahogany color with a beautiful dense ivory colored head on top. I don't always pay close attention to retention but I'm quite impressed with this one. The top of my beer looks more like a foamy latte right now and its not going anywhere. Beautiful pour!

Greets you with a nice caramel malty sweetness that you'd expect from a scotch ale. A bit fruity as well before a peaty finish. The peat is hard to detect at first but anyone familiar with peated scotch should be able to pick it up.

Biscuity malt flavors along side a nice toffee and raisin sweetness. Slightly smokey but rather subdued in the grand scheme of things. Wonderfully creamy mouthfeel that makes it quite an enjoyable after-dinner drink.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 02:06:14 | More by Kinsman

metter98

New York

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Pony Bar Upper East Side, New York, NY

A: The beer is hazy amber in color and has some brownish hues. It poured with a half finger high light beige head that has good retention properties and consistently left a thin head covering the surface.
S: There are light aromas of caramel malts and peat smoke in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell but the flavors are a little stronger and notes of peat smoke linger through the finish.
M: It feels a little more than medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: I enjoyed the smoky nature of this beer because it helped to cut through the strong sweetness and syrupy nature that is usually associated with beers of this style, making it rather drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2012 19:49:47 | More by metter98

rdilauro

Connecticut

4.65/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Have to admit, this was only my second tasting of a Scottish Ale. One of my customers told me that this is what a real Scottish ale is all about.

The pour was semi-dark with a small head. The aroma was there, seemed to be mostly malty.
Nothing really standing out.

The initial taste was smooth big and full! I enjoyed the fullness and it gave me kinda of a warmth that you get having a sip of a nice Port.

The finish was long and very pleasant. There was just a perfect aftertaste that made you feel very satisfied.

The second and third sips were even better. I really liked the overall round and full body this ale had. Not hoppy, not bitter, not too much of anything. Just a real good sipping beer

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 04:53:11 | More by rdilauro

BostonHops

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle served in a snifter.

pours a deep mahogany tone while yielding a foamy 1" or so of a tan head; average retention and lacing. alluring nose offers nice notes of caramel, brown sugar, some peat and a hint of some dark fruit elements.

taste follows and even exceeds the aroma. caramel, brown sugar, peat/scotch character, along with secondary notes of dark fruit and molasses. as for mouthfeel, on the fuller side of medium bodied with average carbonation.

overall simply a very enjoyable scotch ale. well worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2012 23:13:08 | More by BostonHops

Beejay

Virginia

3.95/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Nice medium amber, with red tones when held to the light. Light tan colored head on top, thick and rich.

S: Nice caramel aroma, biscuity and floury. Smells like freshly baked honey wheat bread. Not much as far as the peat malt coming through the nose.

T: Rich caramel, and some of the smokiness comes out. The bread aromas certainly come through, but there is a bit of a bite to it that I didn't expect. Malty, with just a touch of of smoke makes for a nice hearty wood fired bread taste. Very good.

M: Medium to thick bodied. Nice creaminess to it, and carbonation is dead on. Enough carbonation so it isn't syrupy, but not so much that is lightens the body. Very nice.

O: Overall very enjoyable. Subtle balance of flavors, although I do wish there was a touch more peat to it. Very nice.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 23:22:21 | More by Beejay