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

dragonWhale

New York

4.83/5  rDev +21.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Praise be to the good Pat for sharing this delightful little monster. The 2007 bottle popped and served in the dying heat. Crimson is forever! A little oxidized, but absolutely an enhancing of the qualities of this beer, fully integrated. Caramel, fading smoke, a little dark fruit. The age on this beer has put it in such a beautiful place..my belly. This is one of the best beers I've tried in a while. The little bit of smoke just tied it all in. Reminded me a bit of Adam, but I've never had Adam with so much age on it.
Good work, Smutty..

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2011 03:24:34 | More by dragonWhale

StrangeBrewer76

Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Classic brown with way too much head due to the temp and aggressive pour but after a bit it settled out nicely.

I don't think I've ever smelled anything but an under=ripe apple that smelled more like an under-ripe apple than this at first sniff. It's a great smell in nature but a little disturbing to have in a beer.

Taste belies the smell. This is a perfect brown ale with just the slightest hint of malt sweetness. I would have a hard time identifying this as a Scotch ale in a blind tasting. I would expect more malt sweetness and more boozy texture but I'd rater drink this tan that. Very well done.

Mouthfeel is good like beer. A little sharp with carbonation but medium to light bodied enough to be scanned and accepted as good and moved along. No complaints.

Drinkability is as good as it gets. I could drink this all day.

Score another for Smutty!

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2009 20:33:44 | More by StrangeBrewer76

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

Murph

Arizona

4.63/5  rDev +16%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a dark, clear copper/light brown with a one finger tan head that slowly sinks down to a thin film. Huge caramel malty nose that is filled with all sorts of thick malty goodness. The subtle alcohol tingly and spicy aroma does its best to fight the malt but is beat down in the end. Wow, hugely smooth maltiness is there from beginning to end with strong caramel characteristics and slight buttery hints. The alcohol seems to have learned its lesson and accepted its minor role and is only present as a belly warmer. Silky smooth and nicely medium-heavy bodied, this brew is certainly a joy to drink and I would love to do so everyday. It is surprisingly not sticky and not cloying at all considering the big malty body of the brew. If I am truly lucky I may find it on draft someday, or even better, on cask.
A big thanks to michiganmiked for the sample.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2002 20:26:20 | More by Murph

RBorsato

Virginia

4.63/5  rDev +16%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Brown with amber hues and a nice light brown head, decent carbonation, and leaves good lace. Huge malty nose and flavor with a noticeable alcohol presence in both aroma and flavor. Big mouthfilling full bodied flavor but fullness is almost airy in filling the mouth (feels like it expands somewhat ... i know, strange).

Per label: "The Smuttynose Big Beer Series" & "6th Ed. in the Series"

Per Smuttynose website:
Malts: Pilsner Malt, 10L Munich, 35L Carastan, Chocolate Malt, Rauch Malt (1.5%)
SG 18°P
TG 3.6°P
Hops: Willamette - Bittering
IBU: 28
7% ABV

'03' emb on bottom
Tasted: 09/28/04

($3.59 / 22 oz.)

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2004 17:28:22 | More by RBorsato

markskar

New Hampshire

4.58/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Disclosure: Portsmouth, NH, Hometown Favorite. Some bias may apply, but the only reason I'm even writing this review is that the 2008 Vintage is a far superior brew to any Scotch Ale they've released within the past 2 years (that I can remember *ahem*). Smuttynose brewed a proper and wonderful Scotch Ale in 2008. Cheers!

That said, I have to mention that the biggest difference to me this year is the reduction in the "smoked" flavors. To me (IMHO--and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every offering in the Big Beer Series), Smutty's Scotch Ale was netheir good for the style nor my palate for the past couple of years (2006 & 2007).

It was intense--and interesting--don't get me wrong. But it tasted like bacon. That's right, BACON. Too much of the smoked flavors. I used to call it the "Bacon Beer," and avoid it at all costs.

This year is a different animal altogether, and a champion in the making. The smoke is there, but it's just right. Mouthfeel is exactly what I seek--complexity that leave's something to remember. Smooth and rich with rich malts at first, but the abv% (Smutty's website says 8.2%, not 7.8% which BA has posted above) allows for a delayed crisp finish.

A: Dark Copper. Faint, dark haze, but crystal clear at the bottom of the glass. Excellent and seemingly proper clarity for a fresh Wee Heavy. Minimal head retention, moderate lacing.

S: Bit yeasty at this point--should change with longer conditioning. Beyond that, intensely malty and floral. Best part: No smoked ham!

The 2008 Smuttynose Scotch Ale is the reason I stay loyal to Smutty's Big Beer Series offerings.

T: Deliciously malty, with faint hints of smoke that doesn't overwhelm the malts.

M: Smoth at first, but finishes with a refreshing crispness.

D: Outstanding drinkability. Can't wait for tomorrow night!

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2008 00:36:21 | More by markskar

Doomcifer

Rhode Island

4.55/5  rDev +14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a clear, deep amber, reddish/brown, with a magnificent light tan, creamy head. Great lacing left behind.

Smells of peat moss, maltiness, mild hop spiciness...

I taste more peat moss and that salty sea air, around the same flavor I get from, say, a Lagavulin but obviously not as distinct but very much there. Alcohol bite is present. Bitter hop finish.

Lightly Heavy bodied, decent carbonation..perfect for the style. Dry finish.

Taking down a bomber of this is easy business since it's so tasty and enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2007 04:16:22 | More by Doomcifer

Todd

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Presentation: 1pint 6 fluid oz brown bomber bottle.

Appearance: Pours a clear, bright mahogony / ruby red beer with a thin, retaining, creamy off-white head.

Smell: Extremely malt, fruity, estery, fresh, herbal with a nose full of caramel.

Taste: Ultra-smooth mouthfeel, creamy, juicy. Very malty, thick and rich with a solid full-body and slick feel. Malt sweetness is high and fruity with buttery caramel, toasted malts, light carob and biscuity malt finish. Hop bitterness is mild with a tea-like infusion of herbal and floral flavours, and a touch of spice that lingers off into an alcohol presence. Finish is slick with malty/bread notes.

Notes: Perhaps one of the best offerings from Smuttynose, IMO. Malty, but magically balanced and so damn drinkable. A spot on Scotch-style Ale too; malty, low hops, some caramel and hefty.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2002 13:37:29 | More by Todd

orsulacp

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This beer poured deep dark amber (almost black) with a tan head that reduced quickly. The aroma is dominated by smoky peaty malts with a hint of vanilla and some alcohol, very reminiscent of Glenfiddich. More of the alcohol was released with a vigorous pour for the second glass. I love the full body of this beer, it goes down very smooth and it leaves a glycerin type film in the mouth. It left some legs on the glass like a big wine. The flavor is slightly bitter at first then the smoky peat takes over and I get a strong taste of a brandy chocolate covered cherry. I have to go find more of this beer, I think it is the best Scotch Ale I've had.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2006 15:42:41 | More by orsulacp

Franchise

Oregon

4.5/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This offering from the Smuttynose Big Beer Series pours a thick tan head, with a clear rusty body. The aroma is smokey, sweet, tart, caramel, this is a sweet delicious smell.

The taste starts tart, smokey, with some caramel sweetness. A bit of tart fruit begins to be apparent, nuts, a vibrant carbonation with just enough hops to tell you their there but nothing dominant. The finish is again smokey sweet, with just a touch of bitterness in the back of the throat in the finish.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2008 19:34:48 | More by Franchise

Gatch

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

"Bottle Conditioned in 2007"

A: Beautiful amber-brown in color with a fluffy off-white head that fades quickly and leaves no lace or retention. As expected, good legs on this brew.

S: Smoky, peaty, roasty malt. Booze. Butterscotch. Molasses.

T: I was nervous about this one. Although it was in good hands at Smuttynose until I purchased it in December of 2011, it wasn't in optimal conditions until now in June of 2012. But man, all the great flavors are there and they are huge. Huge complex malts, boozy deliciousness that complements the beer rather than diminish it, yeastiness, and some hops? Really?

M: As expected, incredibly smooth, flavorful, boozy, and little carbonation. Fun to drink. Easy to drink.

O: I'd love to try this fresh as a comparison to see how it has developed over nearly five years of aging. I'm generally not a big fan of this style but this is an incredible beer that has benefitted immensely from bottle conditioning for a long period of time.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2012 04:09:06 | More by Gatch

tastybeer

North Carolina

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Looks deep brown with a hint of mahogany, and lets only a little light through. Creamy tan colored head. Smell is very dominant in buttery caramel chocolate with a dark fruity tartness. Full of roasty caramel malts. Taste is caramel malts, chocolate, butter and oil, followed by a fruitlike alcohol bite that warms nicely. I haven't had many wee heavies but I think I like them a lot as of now. This one is quite nice. Mouthfeel is exceptionally nice. Smoothy sleek and then foamy and ceamy after a swirl. Ultra drinakble as well. Goes down like butter, especially for a beer of 7.8%

I will be getting this all the time I think. I can see me drinking this all year long thanks to the ultra drinkability The price is very reasonable for such a quality beer as well.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2005 01:12:01 | More by tastybeer

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2006 release, poured from a 22oz. bottle into a tulip glass.

A: The beer is a deep dark brown color with a thin off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is robust with caramelized malt, brown sugar, vanilla and some dark fruit.

T: The taste very well-balanced with flavors of brown sugar, caramel & vanilla. There are also background flavors of dark fruit, spice and smoke. The malt character is very hearty but not overly heavy and the hops presence is mild. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and very smooth, medium-to-heavy body, light-to-medium carbonation, slightly sticky finish.

D: Very tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, decent kick, nice representation of style, this is definitely one of the best that I’ve had in the style and I find myself saying that about most of the Smuttynose beers. If I’m in the mood for a Scotch Ale, this would be one of the first beers that I would look for.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2007 00:13:03 | More by TheManiacalOne

gpcollen1

Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The 07 variety....

This one pours a dark ruby brown into my Smutty Big Beer glass. Head holds up for a bit and then dies down to nothing but a ring around my beer. Aromas are mildy rich and malty with hints of peat and smoke - is it just me?

Taste follows the nose in a rich and mildly sweet brew with the smokey peat holding on. A bit of hops rides the smoke out and allows the sweet back in, drying out a bit but not as much as I'd like.

Very, very nice...I do not think the recipe has changed once again and that is a good thing...

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2007 01:46:10 | More by gpcollen1

jwc215

New Jersey

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours mahogany/deep amber with a thin off-white head that stays around, leaving some trailing lace.

The smell is of dark malt and fruit, some wood, some toffee and peat smokiness. A touch of alcohol comes through as well.

The taste is of peat smokiness. A tofffeeish maltiness is balanced by some dark fruits. Malty with appropriately light hop presence, as per style. Sweet with a dry, warming finish.

Lower side of full-bodied, it is smooth despite the noticeable alcohol.

This is a nice one to sip. Complex maltiness with an intermingling peat smokiness makes this one a good example of the style. Well-done!

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2007 22:19:19 | More by jwc215

bewareOFpenguin

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Note to self: stay away. Why? It is just too good. I have already consumed many bottles. It's reddish-brown color is beautiful. It's malty taste is a good refresher about the greatness of a malty beer. The ABV sneaks up on you as you drink glass after glass, like fog from a snow bank.Has that slight scotch "twinge" of flavor as well as smoke. Mmmm.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2003 16:33:27 | More by bewareOFpenguin

brentk56

North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a clear dark amber body with a decent head and lacing

Smell: Strong notes of caramel malt and a touch of peat; almost smells like a barleywine

Taste: Lots of chewy caramel flavor; the subtle smoky peat flavor also peaks through along with a chocolate malt flavor as well; a nice mild bitterness presents itself on the finish

Mouthfeel: Big mouthfeel with relatively low carbonation

Drinkability: An excellent sipping beer; sweet but subtle and never cloying

Serving type: bottle

06-20-2005 02:39:51 | More by brentk56

ElGallo

New Hampshire

4.43/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I live in Smutty's backyard, so this beer is readily available around the NH seacoast when its spot in the Big Beer rotation comes around, but so few locals realize how good this beer is.

This beer just seems perfectly balanced and tastes so damn good. I've had far too many standard scotch ales (not wee heavies, mind you) where the malty sweetness overpowers everything else, and the whole drinking experience is a letdown. Such is not the case with this beer. I wish it were available a little bit longer each year, but I also enjoy looking forward to the next release.

I like most - but not all - of Smuttynose's offerings, but the Scotch Style Ale is my favorite.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2010 17:29:47 | More by ElGallo

Gavage

New Jersey

4.4/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Clear brown in color, sporting a thick 2 inch head that hangs around a while. The aroma was strong with malt, pine, and peat. Multiple flavor tones make up this beauty - thick malt, toffee, peat, toasted nuts, and raisins. Some earthiness, hearty bitterness, and alcohol warming round this out beautifully.

Medium / heavy body. Smooth and mildly crisp mouthfeel. The finish is long on the malt and peat. This is well worth seeking out, an extremely enjoyable and flavorful brew.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2005 12:12:10 | More by Gavage

HomeBrewJunkie

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a clear brown to amber. Decent off white head that leaves good lacing on the side of the glass.

Sweet toasted and caramel malt. Very slight smokiness that complements the malts very well. Yeasty fruitiness that I also find attractive. A bit of alcohol in the nose.

Great tasting Scotch Ale. The flavors are well balanced. A sweet caramel malts and again with the slight smokiness. Good balance of hops helps counter the sweetness.

Mouthfeel was not what I expected from the “big beer series”. Medium body, but it was very smooth. Overall the mouthfeel was very pleasant but just not as I expected.

I did enjoy this beer, and can see myself drinking it again. If I wasn’t so nice and shared this bottle, I easily could have consumed it in its entirety, and loved it. The only drawback was the mouthfeel, but the overall experience was enjoyed. Good example of a Scotch Ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2007 02:15:35 | More by HomeBrewJunkie

IntriqKen

California

4.4/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a dark mahogany tea color with a decent half finger of off white foam that sticks around as a ring for quite a while.

Aromas are caramel, toasted malt, and vanilla.

Taste is like the aroma but much, much more so. Caramels, toasted dark malt, vanilla, fruity hops barely coming through, tobacco, and a little smokiness.

The most amazing thing about this Scotch ale is how incredibly smooth and blended it is. Nothing is offensive...everything melds wonderfully and the mouthfeel is as smooth as cream.

Aftertaste of smokey malts...pleasant and letting you know that you are in the midst of enjoying a wonderful Scotch ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2007 03:04:26 | More by IntriqKen

Bierman9

New Hampshire

4.38/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Ever wonder why this is called Scotch "Style" Ale? Because our "friends" in Washington think we're too dumb to differentiate between this and some distilled beverage from Scotland. Thanks a lot!
Well, this years (2002) version has a dark, mahogany-chestnut hue, with a little ruby, too. Head, I'm afraid, was just a miniscule little layer. Nose presented itself well, with malty sweetness co-mingling with a nice smokiness. They are using some German rauch malt this year as opposed to peat smoked malt (read the Brewers comments at www.smuttynose.com). Body was medium-plus, and the brew slid easily and smoothly over the tongue. Quite an enjoyable mix of flavors...great maltiness partnered with a fair dose of sweetness (without being cloying). Smokiness lingers throughout, and the finish is a bit dry, like a good rauchbier, with an ever-so-subtle hint of hop fruitiness. This years version ( at 7%, btw) seems to be head and shoulders above past-years offerings. Zum Wohl!

overall: 4.3
appearance: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | mouthfeel: 4.5 | drinkability: 4.5

392

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2002 12:48:14 | More by Bierman9

HappyHourHero

Indiana

4.38/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Froathy, thick, oatmeal-cream colored head composed of small bubbles. Dark caramel colored beer. The aroma is of burnt malt and caramel. Great flavor, creamy malt flavor mixes well with a light hop bitterness. Smoothly bitter caramel aftertaste followed by a warm feeling in your stomach. The smooth mouthfeel borders on creamy. Yum, yum, yum, give me more!

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2004 00:34:51 | More by HappyHourHero

OldFrothingSlosh

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Once again, the power of beer karma smiles upon me. Enjoying a few pints with some friends and fellow BA altctrlsdelete at Capital Ale House last night, I noticed Matt had ordered this beer. Again, this was not listed on the tap list...it looked good....I ordered one. As the old knight guarding the Holy Grail (of the non-Monty Python variety) in Indians Jones and the Last Crusade would say: "You have chosen....wisely."

Served in the commerative CAH St. Patty's day glass, the scotch ale is deep brownish-caramel in color. Miniscule lace quickly died away (though my glass was filled to the brim) to just a fine layer at the edges. Aromas are an interesting mix of caramel malts and a chalky-smoky character. Flavor is full of malt. Great level of hoppy bitterness balances. Finishes with an ABV kick and a spicy, zesty aftertaste. Very drinkable with a medium-bodied smoothness.

Notes: I've never really gotten into Scotch ales, but this was a real eye-opening experience for me. I will definitely seek out some more of this style. Kudos to Matt for this one.

Edited 4/1/04: Apparently, this was a very rare and very special "oak-aged" version of the regular beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-19-2004 02:47:37 | More by OldFrothingSlosh

marburg

Michigan

4.38/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

All malt, all the time.

Aroma is heavily dominated by an estery, caramel-ish maltiness. While hoppy beers can certainly be rich, this is decadent in the way only a big malt beer can be. A beer equivalent of "death by chocolate" -- death by woody, wet, potent, malty, caramel goodness. Hints of tea leaves and wet grass round out this very heavy nose.

Thick and somewhat oily. Smacks of malt sweetness with a thick, caramel presence, of course. Surprisingly easy to drink considering its substantial body. Reminds me, just a bit, of the light, creamy, almost buttermilk smoothness of Arcadia Scotch Ale. It certainly has a light, nicely subdued hop presence that lends a little leafy bitterness to the end. But this is just an awesome brew for malt lovers and Scotch Ale fans.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2004 01:02:28 | More by marburg