Smuttynose Winter Ale - Smuttynose Brewing Company

schoolboy

Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I grabbed this out of blind faith for the brewery. Their Big Al is enough to make you try the rest of theirs.

What a nice surprise. Not knowing what style it was, I liked the faint, fruity aroma (very faint) and the nice dark color. But I thought I was getting something of a different style - maybe an English dark ale or something - not something closer to my tastes. This works as a unique ale. I guess "dubbel" is an appropriate style name if that is what it is (right yeast), but it really doesn't taste a lot like one, just a little.

It's a bit too drinkable for the style, and not fruity enough, but it is very good, and a great value. I am going to seek out a bunch more to have around the house for the holidays. It is easy to drink and tasty.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2011 00:39:01 | More by schoolboy

jakester

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I got this as a single at Union Jack's on the Manatawny. I drank it in a goblet. Best before date clearly notched on the label.

Pours a pretty clear ruby red with brown tints around the edges. A light tan head forms on top, then quickly vanishes to a scant ring around the glass. No real lacing.

Aroma is big malt combined with spices like nutmeg, cinammon, and cloves. There is also a detectable yeasty, musty smell there; some nice Belgian funk.

First flavor is a smoked malt character, quickly followed by dark, sweet caramel malt. Then you can taste cinammon and nutmeg and cloves(?). It's fairly sweet, with a lingering smokey/spicy aftertaste. Hop character is very low.

Mouthfeel is medium to full, with a lingering sweetness. Carbonation is low to medium. Finish is a long oily slickness, pleasant.

I guess this is a Belgian Dubbel. It fits the criteria, but I don't remember having one like this. It IS a very good winter ale, however. Very malty, the spices meld with it really well, and a low hop character. And I swear, this has smoked malt in it, a nice touch, to say the least. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2005 19:16:57 | More by jakester

jakdracula

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I bought one bottle as part of a mixed set, tasted it, and went back and bought a case.

Just a great beer, not too heavy, very drinkable, and just delicious.

I'm not a big fan of hops, and this has a great malt flavor, just the right amount of hops to keep it well balanced.

Not high in alcohol, and very refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2010 16:57:38 | More by jakdracula

goodbyeohio

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

clear, dark red overripe cherry coloration. no head, no lace. solid in the glass. just beer, no frills. big, dark fruit nose with some biscuity malt and the slightest hint of cantaloupe. also detecting a bit of campfire smokiness.. very inviting. rough around the edges in terms of carbonation and sharp hops.. although the body screams belgian with a milky, caramelly wave of molasses and cherry puree. brings that dubbel character through without interference from overbearing, bitter coffee malts. an amazing local substitute for the pricier belgian clones like pere jacques. a true northeastern gem and surprisingly in great excess of my expectations.

another victory for smuttynose.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2006 04:44:30 | More by goodbyeohio

UncleJimbo

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle, from one of the first batches, sampled fresh.

This dubble poured a clear, light coffee-brown color with tan foam that settled. The smell was sweetly malty with a touch of Belgian candy sugar and a light vinous aroma. The taste was full of Begian malt with some light candy sugar, though not overly sweet. The hoppiness was mild. The mouthfeel was smooth and creamy and lightly sweet with medium body and good carbonation. The finish was hoppy and the sweet flavor lingered in the aftertaste. This was a very nice, Belgian style ale (not sure if it is a Dubbel, but I like it). Quite enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2006 08:35:58 | More by UncleJimbo

MattBrooks

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I recall first trying this beer last year on its debut. I remember liking it, but really wanted to try it again. It smells like Christmas in your glass. It's brown, malty, a little spicy and totally quaffable. A sixer of this will go very fast. By comparison, it's heavier than the Sam, but not as spicy as the Harpoon. It has balance and depth, with a hearty finish.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2006 15:26:33 | More by MattBrooks

ZAP

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-Clouded amber colored...nice head and lace.

S-Caramel, and earthy hops on the nose

T-Nice caramel maltines...also some breadiness....a good earthy hop element and also some sweet cocoa powder (lighter impression)...very tasty..definitely leans malty

M-Medium bodied...a little slick and sweet....carbonation is medium at best.

D-One of the better winter offerings out there....certainly top 25%...Never feels like a huge sipping style beer but there is no doubt this has some depth to it....

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2006 03:48:17 | More by ZAP

RedSpecial1

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a dark amber, with only a finger or two of off white lacing that quickly disappears leaving only a little lacing. I smell some malty scents, and a few other faint scents, but not much. For this style, I might consider this on the more carbonated side. The main flavors I notice are, again, the caramel malts, and a very little bit of fruit flavors, maybe apple, and a touch of hoppy bitterness at the end. This beer isn't too filling, and its taste is solid if not exceptional, so I think it could definitely be a session beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2010 23:06:20 | More by RedSpecial1

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a hazy orange-ish to brown color with a tan head. In the aroma, vanilla, oaky(?), and a nice spice blend. In the taste, vanilla, cinnamon, oaky, and almost creamy. A small spice bite and a medium bodied mouthfeel, with a dry cinnamon and almost bourbon like aftertaste. Almost feels bourbon barreled, quite nice.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2012 15:17:58 | More by OWSLEY069

TheDeuce

New York

4.38/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Smuttynose Winter Ale....

Appearance-beautiful pour into the glass, dark color with a thick head that springs up, then down and settles, leaving sticky lace in the glass.

Smell- malty aroma, alcohol notes as well.

Taste/Mouthfeel-malty in character, strong and smooth, hops are there, but more gentle than the malts, chocolate notes and well as heavy caramel flavor. Very smooth and heavy but tastes great.

Drinkability- strong beer but incredibly smooth and drinkable, good for the long nights it toasts too.

Overall- I believe this beer has been classified incorrectly, it tastes much more like a Bock than a Dubbel. Still, an amazingly tasty and strong winter brew. Smutty continues to make really decent brews, this is no exception.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2008 00:34:08 | More by TheDeuce

albern

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a really nice brown ale, I'm not so sure about the Belgian dubbel label, however, as it doesn't really have the yeastiness or character of that style. Nevertheless, this is a really fine beer. It pours a nice clear mahogany color with a tannish head, a bit foamy, that settles into a nice retention and small lace. The aroma is roasted sweet malts, a slight chocolatey whiff and maybe some tobacco. The nose on the beer is quite good, characterful, and nicely pungent. This has all the makings of a nice enticing beer.

The taste will not disappoint. This is medium bodied beer, modestly carbonated, with a nice heavy fruit flavored base, some roasted maltiness, a sweet caramel flavor throughout, and just enough of a hoppy bitterness in the finish to top this very good beer off. There is a nice malty and hop balance to the beer. There is almost a sweet nutty partially roasted quality to the beer that is complemented very nicely by the character of the hop. I had this beer a few weeks ago and I specifically sought it out to review. I'm glad I did. A great beer out of Smuttynose Brewery. L'Chaim.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2008 17:54:26 | More by albern

smakawhat

Maryland

4.43/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a chalice. Good till May 2011, we are good to go.

Pours a nice off tan colored two finger head. Some retention and puck like consistency to it. Body is a nice dark cherry color, with great blood red hues.

Malty sweet denseness of dried fruit cake. Hints of yeasty bread dough. Smells like boxed soft chocolate chip cookies or something. Real neat, kind of enjoyable.

Dense sweet malt with cherries and chocolate. Slightly drying in the palate, but a great body with some good density. Mouthfeel is almost watery but not quite, the bready/malt seems to beef it up just enough.

This is a real interesting take on this style, the low abv makes it real enjoyable and super easy to drink. This feels like a Christmas winter beer for sure, it hints of Black Forest German Chocolate cake with the artificial cherry on top. Great beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2011 20:59:25 | More by smakawhat

oelergud

Virginia

4.45/5  rDev +19.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Brown 12oz glass bottle with a pry-off cap. The label shows a 70's (?) winter scene with a laughing woman cradling either food or drink.
The body is a nice semi transparent ruby brown with low carbonation. The head is a creamy mottled tan with a few medium bubbles. Good retention and little lace.
This beer smells like pure christmas. Warm spices, sweet brown sugar malts with dates and maybe raisins. One of the most inviting smells from a brew I've encountered.
Sweet sugary malts with spice and delicious semi mellow, slightly spiked hops. A very pleasant aftertaste follows the initial flavors with a well balanced overall flavor of pine hops and christmas spice malts.
Medium full body with good coating. Some residual sugars.
Highly drinkable and so very enjoyable.

-Oelergud

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2008 00:28:30 | More by oelergud

Heischman

Georgia

4.45/5  rDev +19.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Beer/Brewery - Smuttynose Winter Ale 2010 (Aged 1 year)/Smuttynose Brewing Company
City/State- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
STYLE – Dubble
ABV – 5.1%
IBU – 30?
DATE – 04 DEC 2011
SERVING TYPE – 12 OZ bottle
GLASSWARE – Schooner
APPEARANCE – SRM OF 40 thin almost no head
AROMA- Sweet plum and some nice roastedness as well with a hint of brown sugar
TASTE – Sweet with a nice caramelized brown sugar and hints of plum. Finishes with a nice soothing roasted malt
MOUTHFEEL – Good carbonation nice and warming, feels like more ABV than 5.
CONCLUSION – A good standing Winter brew. I am lucky this was shared with me.

-JH-

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2011 17:17:14 | More by Heischman

Brad007

Vermont

4.5/5  rDev +21.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Color: Dark red/ruby red color with a one-finger head of foam.

Aroma: Sweet and malty on the nose. A small, faint hint of chocolate.

Taste: Thick and rich upfront. Sweet but feels balanced. Smooth in the middle and fades to a mildly sweet aftertaste. Smooth. A hint of raisin in the middle as well.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, sweet and malty. Not too dry at the back of the throat.

Verdict: Nice and drinkable! Has the hallmarks of the style as well. I think it's solid. Drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2008 23:52:59 | More by Brad007

happy4hoppybeer

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +22.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Nice dark brown, at first appears black,but when held up to light,is shiny and is exposed as a very dark brown/copper, with thin white head,leaving moderate lacing.

Smell is dry, very thin. Faint traces of roasted malt,little else.

Very good sweetness hits the tongue. Sweetness of nice, pleasant roasted dark malt. Maybe some light toffee/caramel to go with it. A pleasant medium,highly carbonated body,with flavors coming through the heavy carbonation.

Not sure if this is a dubbel or not, as it does not claim to be one on the label and I never had a dubbel before,but regardless a very good and tasty yet sessionable brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2011 20:53:29 | More by happy4hoppybeer

BeerLover48Fan

New Jersey

4.75/5  rDev +28%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Chestnut brown in color with one finger of creamy pale mocha colored head which falls quickly leaving no lace.

The scent is almost imperceptible to my nose at first but I finally get a very mild belgian yeast and some cloves.

Taste is sweet and nutty to start, with a touch of spice - mainly cloves - to follow and a nice yeasty sour finish. There's a mild smokiness here as well which I'm really enjoying.

Rich medium mouthfeel with light tingly zesty carbonation.

Drinkability is very good.

This beer seems to have characteristics of a brown ale, a winter warmer, and a belgian dubbel but doesn't strike me as being distinctly any one of the three. Whatever it is it exhibits typical Smuttynose quality and is quite delicious. I'll be buying more.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2007 00:16:06 | More by BeerLover48Fan