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

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

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

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

Chickenhawk9932

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep reddish amber with ruby highlights. It has a full frothy tan head that hangs around and clings to the glass.

A fairly clean nose with some faint yeast and bread notes.

It hits up front with tingle of tasty yeast - almost like a Belgian (not in flavor, but in feel). Fresh baked bread, faint caramel, and some rich roasted malt are all there in a harmony of flavor. This is very tasty and almost too drinkable, with subtle complexity. A very smooth creamy mouth feel.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 00:18:36 | More by Chickenhawk9932

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A-Pours a lightly hazy ruby/copper hybrid. Head is whispy. It never gathers itself and pops away. It keeps a thin posture, but it laces with a sense of purpose.

S-Sweetly herbal with light peaty notes. Lacks intensity. Floral, maybe even subtly medicinal. Of course, there is all the caramel and brown sugar you'd expect (without much strength). Very light smoke and soot.

T-Mossy and peaty. Modest intensity. Not sure of this batch's ABV, but the booze isn't shy here. Dried-out gingerbread cookies. Toffee and caramel hard candy. Herbal. Changes per sip. As my palate becomes accustomed to the flavor, I enjoy it more and more. Hard to describe.

M-Full bodied. Booze dries me out. A sipper. Sippy, sip, sip.

O/D-The smoked, peated and herby aspects of this beer set itself apart from many of the style. It was cool but like a few others from the Smuttynose Big Beer Series, I found this to be a bit too boozy.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2012 02:09:37 | More by VelvetExtract

Gushue3

Massachusetts

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

'12 bomber poured into Portsmouth snifter

A 1 plus finger finger head thats slightly brown/red and turns foamy. Body is a clear chestnut with a very slight haze. The head stays for a little while and leaves some lace as it goes down, leaving a thick wad of foam above the body. Body is pretty lively.

S Sweet darker malts with some leather, raisins and maybe some caramel malt.

T Follows the nose pretty close, sweet dark malts and fruit. Some roast, leather and a bit of smoke round out the flavor profile. Finish is sweet malts and a trace of alcohol.

M Medium feel with the bigger side of medium carbonation. Finish is a tiny bit sticky.

O Tasty beer that is pretty nice all around.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 00:33:26 | More by Gushue3

mntlover

Tennessee

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

Pours a rich mahogany color with a big tan head that falls pretty fast to a ring. Some sparse lace left behind but not as much as the original head would of indicated.

Aroma is big malty goodness, peat, and dark fruits, big caramel chewy goodness.

Taste is just like the nose big malts with lots of smokey peat mingled with caramel and dark fruits. Chewy malty goodness with light alcohol notes that blend well with light spice in the finish.

Mouthfeel is big medium not quite full.

Overall pretty much on par with the style, hits spot for big malt bomb.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2012 00:56:55 | More by mntlover

barnzy78

Illinois

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

2012, pours a deep copper with a tall, foamy, beige head that holds good retention and leaves some lacing on the glass. Aromas are malty, caramel, toffee,raisin, grain, metallic, earthy, woodsy, leather. Tastes are sweet and earthy, with peat, grain, toffee, raisin, brown sugar, leathery, tobacco leaf, alcohol is overbearing at times, finishes dry and a little sourish. Mouth-feel is a little on the thin side, ample carbonation. Overall, this was pretty good. It's obvious that the brewing process was done properly for the style with some partial fermentation tastes rendered.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2012 13:11:36 | More by barnzy78

Vonerichs

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Deep brown with a reddish tint on the edges.

Smells slightly smokey, damp leaves, and a little caramel.

The peat really pops and there's a real nice smokey aspect. Light sweetness and some herbal notes.

Mouthfeel is creamy with moderate carbonation. It has a pretty heavy body.

This is a real nice scotch all that accents the smoky peat.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2012 01:10:41 | More by Vonerichs

Kromes

Georgia

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

Poured into a tulip glass. A cloudy dark amber color with a thick tan colored head that leaves lacing on the glass. Toasted malt with a smoky quality to it, also some earthy hop aroma. The toasted malt and smoked peat flavor is apparent up front and then there is a bit of caramel with an alcohol bite that fades into a toasted grain and alcohol flavor and warmth. Medium to full body with a smooth and peppery feel with alcohol warmth. Definitely a quality Scotch Ale. It tastes like this is the beginning of whisky here. Very similar flavors. Some Scotch Ales are heavy on the caramel malt; this beer is not and has a very pure flavor to it. The smoked peat and alcohol flavors are simple yet the taste is very deep.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2012 22:13:00 | More by Kromes

tut2528

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: pours a deep amber borderline with a massive thick 2 fingers worth of cream colored head formation with awesome lacing. giving the brew a couple swirls quickly recreates about 1 fingers worth of head.

S: peat is definitely the main player here. i also pick up on fruity sweetness, an ever so slight molasses/caramel note, lemon citrus, spices, and a slight smokey malt.

T: caramel comes out here and its quite nice because I wasn't expecting it since the smell was more peat than anything. i also pick up on a various fruits, predominately berries, herbal spices, a just a slight touch of alcohol.

M: medium (slightly heavy) bodied, nice carbonation, leaves a nice caramel and herbal spice/peat note on the palate.

O: pretty solid offering by Smuttynose. i really enjoy the uniqueness of this brew as I feel that the herbal spices really allow for a nice balance with the sweetness of the caramel. glad to have tried it just wish there was a bit more sweetness to it.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2012 03:45:42 | More by tut2528

BEERMILER12

Maine

4.25/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2012 bottle

A: Pours a nice amber color with a tiny head

S: Nice and malty, with a bit of fruitiness. Simple, but good

T: Again, very malty with a light wave of sweetness and fruit. Rich. Get a very light hint of smoke as well, but it's far behind the wall of malt

M: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth

O: A good example of a more classic style. Doesn't just throw smokiness in there, it's nice and subtle. Leans highly on the malts as well, which is also very to-style. This would definitely age well simply because it is very malt forward. Absolutely worth picking up

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2012 17:50:28 | More by BEERMILER12

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

TK5150

Maine

3.8/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

2007 Vintage.

A- Pours a murky, hazy amber with a small beige head. A nice amount of lacing is left on the glass.

S- The smell is light caramel/toffee/vanilla, a bit old and funky, with just a hint of smoke.

T- Crystal malt, vanilla, berries, herbs and spicy smoke. A hint of iced tea flavor as well which I always get with beers aged a bit too long. Not bad, actually.

M- For the most part, medium bodied. I drank this too cold at first, and it felt thin, but as I let it warm, the body grew into heavy medium bodied. Smooth, with just a bit of a kick at the finish.

O- Aged too long, but I still like it. I bet this would have been quite nice into MAYBE 2009 at the latest. Still an enjoyable beer for sure, but nearly 5 years of age is certainly too long. Smutty is bringing this beer back this year after a several year hiatus, and I would suggest drinking it fairly fresh for best enjoyment.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2012 19:52:39 | More by TK5150

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.85/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured as part of a barrel tasting, this is from the 2007 vintage. Served in a tulip, the beer is a muddled reddish brown coloring with a yellow-beige head that is low profile and clingy. Slow bubbling of carbonation throughout. Aromas are blended well, with a fruit cocktail sweetness, earthy notes, and a strong, aged booze character. Flavors are robust and full, but only for an instant. Earthy malt forward, with currant and grape character abound, followed by an earthy, somewhat watery caramel apple flavor. The flavors are surprisingly mild and subtle from the aging process, and the barrel imparts only slight woody characteristics. The aftertaste is no different, with a light, effervescent caramel and roasty quality. The finish is slick and oily, leaving a slightly cloying linger on the palate. Strong and flavorful.

Serving type: cask

02-26-2012 20:47:32 | More by GarthDanielson

DefenCorps

Oregon

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I don't know if this beer has been released since, but this is the 2007 vintage that I picked up at Chevy Chase W&S a long time back, along with my first 6-pack of Expedition. Oh, the good ol' days.

Pouring a deep garnet with mahogany highlights, this beer is capped with a dense, beige head that rapidly recedes to a ring leaving little lace. The first thing that strikes my nostrils is peat. Not smoky, but peat. Briny, with a touch of toffee, burnt sugar, butterscotch and vanilla are all present. Pretty unique, I really like the nose.

The palate opens with a blend of brine and peat, both mellow, but both still the most dominant flavors in this rather mildly flavored brew. This is followed by toffee, burnt sugar and a mild yeasty fruitiness. Oxidation is unbelievably low here, this smells and tastes remarkably fresh (fresher than the 07 Speedway that preceded this it). Drying and mildly smoky on the finish, this beer is pretty excellent. Medium in body and a touch over-carbonated for my palate, this is rather stunningly good. Just a hair watery, but not enough to significantly detract from enjoyment. A *lot* better than I was expecting. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 03:51:03 | More by DefenCorps