No Crusts - The Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery

brentk56

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: The Cola brown-colored liquid is capped by tan foam; leaves a decent amount of lacing behind

Smell: Grape jelly with peanut butter underneath

Taste: The grape jelly starts out the flavor profile, with the peanut butter coming by mid-palate; nicely balanced in the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation

Overall: Really enjoyed the way this comes together in the finish, balancing out both the peanut butter and jelly elements; as unusual a beer as you will find

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2012 22:18:04 | More by brentk56

Dreadnaught33

District of Columbia

4.18/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Another very interesting beer from funky Buddha that I could only drink in small doses....had on tap at the churchkey event on 6/7.

The beer pours a dark crimson with some brown in the center of the beer, a ring of head as well. The smell is crazy, it really smells like when you open your lunch bag of pb and j, they capture the bread, peanut, and touch of sweetness of some kind of jelly perfectly.

The taste is dominated by peanut, and I do enjoy it, some bready malt undertones and some sweetness round it out, no hops to speak of whatsoever. I don't really get any kind of 'jelly' but the beer still seems pb and j like with the sweetness.

The feel is slick and decent in body, overall this beer is good in small doses but there is no way I could have drank more than the taster of 6oz or so that I got.

Serving type: on-tap

06-24-2012 17:28:40 | More by Dreadnaught33

dboon

Florida

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Funky Buddha. Murky reddish brown pour with a small white head. I thought the MBCP nose was incredible but the No Crust is down right insane. Total freakin’ chunky roasted peanut butter with undercurrents of dried berries. The taste is so cool. Massive peanut butter flavors offset by mixed berry jam, apricots, and blackberries. Kudos to Kevin, Ryan, and the rest of the Buddha crew....

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2011 22:08:42 | More by dboon

Delraypete

Florida

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Served in a Chimay glass filled to the brim (so no head). Aroma of roasted peanuts is prevalent as well at the front of the taste. When you swallow it switches to grape jelly - pretty unbelievable actually and the reason behind giving it a 5 for taste b/c it does what it says. The flavors are so right on. Mouthfeel is average with light carbonation. This is a fun one, but I wouldn't buy it on a regular basis b/c I want a beer, not a sweet liquid snack.

Serving type: on-tap

08-08-2011 19:40:28 | More by Delraypete

DaveHS

California

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to dboon for this one.

A-Pours hazy nut brown with over 2 inches of foamy khaki head. Takes a few minutes to recede, and leaves only the faintest traces of lacing.

S-Remarkably similar to a whole wheat peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They nailed it. I wouldn't mistake this for anything else.

T/M-Again, peanut butter and jelly. They actually did it! I'm impressed. Mid-palate the peanut butter and jelly flavors fade into the flavor profile of a standard nut brown ale. Medium bodied, with moderate carbonation and a chunky peanut butter finish.

O-Great beer. Would love to get some more bottles.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2011 01:40:37 | More by DaveHS

islandboi8204

Hawaii

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours brown with reddish hue and a foamy head that quickly dissapates.

Wow. This smells incredible, like a straight up PBJ sandwich. Tons of peanuts, bread, raspberries and strawberry jam. Unbelievable aroma.

Doesn't taste quite as good as it smells. Basically peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread. The strawberry jam is well balanced with the roasty peanuts, very impressive.

Low to medium body a ton of carbonation. Almost like a can of soda.

Overall, the beer tastes great, but the smell is out of this world. A really interesting beer that I'd like to try again.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2011 03:16:00 | More by islandboi8204

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at Churchkey in D.C.

The beer is russet brown with a half inch of head. The aroma is shocking and hilarious. I would literally think one was holding a PB&J sandwich under my nose if this were a blind test. Very impressive. The flavor follows suit. I wish I could go more in depth, but this is a straightforward brew - it smells and tastes like a PB&J beer. Light to medium bodied. Not something I would drink in quantity, but I highly recommend trying this if you have the opportunity.

Serving type: on-tap

06-29-2012 21:27:26 | More by Huhzubendah

spycow

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Casey or this bottle. Nice dark brown with light lacing. The smell is as described, peanut butter and jelly. Peanuts is stronger than the jelly which is more hidden. Taste is roasty, buttery, with a light tropical jelly taste. Lighter mouthfeel than would have expected but still good. Overall the beer delivers as expected for a specialty beer. Would gladly drink this again and recommend for those who seek the unique styles.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2011 22:37:29 | More by spycow

GallowsThief

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

vOn tap at the Treasure Coast Beerfest

A – Nice cola brown pour with a finger of frothy light tan head that stayed around.

S – Big roasty peanut butter smell. Some bread smell. Don’t get much jelly in the aroma.

T – Wow straight off the bat you get a huge peanut butter taste. Tastes like a freshly opened can of Peter Pan. Roasty and almost chewy. Bit of jelly like sweetness mixes in but is overwhelmed by the peanuts. Bready finish to round out the taste.

M – Medium to heavy bodied with a creamy texture that coats the mouth.

O – Had big expectations here and this lived up to the hype. Retained a beer taste but still had a great PB&J taste. Very nice offering from the guys at the Buddha.

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2011 01:10:48 | More by GallowsThief

starrdogg

District of Columbia

4.3/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at ChurchKey.

Pours a dark brown with a thin off-white head. The smell on this beer is absolutely phenomenal - as pretty much everyone has said, it smells exactly like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in an incredible way. The flavor isn't quite as impressive, and I wish there was more jelly going on. The peanut really takes over the flavor and mixes nicely with the bread-y malt. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with nice carbonation. Overall, this beer earns an A+ for creativity. It's not a beer I'd want to drink a ton of, but a 4 oz. pour was perfect. Honestly, if it had more grape in the flavor, this beer might be amazing, instead it was an impressively successful experiment.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2012 00:34:19 | More by starrdogg

jrallen34

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Casey for this... pours a nice dark amber brown, decent tan head... the nose is all roasted peanuts, salty, really great authentic peanuts, the jelly is hidden, don’t get much but there is a sweet fruity note, smells great... the first is all roasted salty peanuts, its awesome, after that the taste dies down a bit, becomes a touch watery and dead on the finish, a touch of alcohol... really crushable the best pbj and beer I’ve had, destroys Short’s version... for this type of beer, this is one of the best ones out there

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2011 22:27:49 | More by jrallen34

Urbancaver

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

edit: new bottle.... Thanks Ryan. Scores tweaked. Initial review still listed below.
Pour looks the same. Smells peanut buttery and lots and lot of jelly. Much betteer aroma. Tastes like a great peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Overall the mouthfeel is a bit rough Overly carbonated but great.

I've gone back and forth between uploading this and not but I feel I have to...

Pours a typical brown with some light tan head. Looks pretty standard. Smells peanut butter heavy. Tough of bitterness with some sweet jelly hiding behind. The aroma is pleasant and definitely unique.

The taste however... not so good. I struggle with how to rate this. I'm not sure if it was a bad bottle or just not my cup of tea. the jelly is non existant (only detectable if I really look for it). Peanut butter that's almost burnt and bitter. Highly carbonated and a bit abrasive because of it.

Disappointing given how amazing maple bacon was but then again... not everything can be a hit

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2011 19:02:33 | More by Urbancaver

Mora2000

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to ericandersnavy for sharing this bottle.

The beer pours a brownish color with a tan head. The aroma is very nice. I get a lot of peanut butter notes with some grape jelly notes. Someone at the table also said they thought the beer smelled like refried pinto beans, which I could see after using some imagination.

The flavor has a lot of peanut butter and hazelnut character to it. I also get a lot of caramel and toffee with some cocoa mixed in. Once again, there is a little bit of jelly character to the flavor. Somewhat surprisingly, this beer definitely reminds me of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

This is what I imagine Short's was aiming for when they brewed PB&J. If they could ever release a batch that wasn't infected, maybe I could confirm that.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2011 02:22:52 | More by Mora2000

HopHead84

California

4.35/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

9/18/2011

Bottle shared by a generous Adam, thanks! Snifter.

A: Hazy brown with a finger of beige foam. 

S: This smells amazing. Raspberry and strawberry jam with bread and peanut butter. This is the liquid form of a delicious PB&J sandwich. Unbelievable, the aroma couldn't be better.

S: The flavor is good as well, but nowhere near the aroma. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat. The jelly is reminiscent of strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry. Impressive.

M: Lower medium body with upper moderate carbonation. 

Overall: The flavor is good, but the aroma is unreal. I couldn't take my nose out of the glass. Great stuff.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 04:23:50 | More by HopHead84

mdfb79

New York

4.35/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From 02/03/12 notes. Had on tap at EBF day session up in Boston, MA.

a - Pours a very dark mahogany brown color with one inch of off white head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of peanuts, peanut butter, bready malts, toasted malts, and light wheat. Smells exactly like a peanut sandwich...really cool and I love the nose.

t - Tastes of peanuts, bready malts, toasted malts, peanut butter, light burnt malts and roasted malts. Not quite as peanut butter sandwich-ish as the nose, but still very nice.

m - Light to medium body and low to moderate carbonation. Very easy to drink brown ale, great body.

o - Overall I thought this was a really cool beer. A bit of a "gimmick" beer, but it works well and was one of the cooler beers I had at EBF. Nose really smells exactly like a PB sandwich, and it's easy to drink. Would love to have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2012 02:01:44 | More by mdfb79

ShanePB

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on-tap into a 5.5 oz snifter at Capone's. Funky Buddha event for Philly Beer Week.

A: Dark amber colored body with some brownish hues throughout the body. The darker color gives this one a hazy looking appearance, nothing much to see through. A small off-white head was there but gone quickly. Little retention and lace.

S: Toasted white bread, grape jelly, chunky peanut butter, oil and a general buttery aroma. It's literally dead-on to the incarnation of a PB&J sandwich. Not as potent as I would have expected but still really nice smelling.

T: It took a few sips to get all the flavors. Like others have stated, it almost was like it separated into different layers. Perhaps the oils from the peanuts caused this? At any rate, big crusty, bready flavors up front along with a sweet grape jelly. Towards the bottom was creamy, nutty peanut butter. Not too sweet and just downright delicious.

M: Nicely carbonated, medium-bodied, oily and a bit of stick from the fruit sweetness. For the ABV and style, this seemed just about right.

My only comparison to a PB&J beer is from Spring House Brewing Company and they're both awesome incarnations of the classic childhood sandwich. An absolute must try if you get the chance. Thanks for sending the awesome beers to Philly guys!

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2012 18:53:49 | More by ShanePB

bbqdude

Florida

4.38/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I missed this the first time it was served a couple of weeks ago, so I was excited to have a second opportunity to try it. First, let me say that if I had been blindfolded I would not be able to tell this beer from a PB&J sandwich based on smell. It was that spot-on. For a brown ale named "No Crusts PB&J", this beer is everything I expected. The only reason I gave it a 4 for tast is because I am not a PB&J sandwich fan. However, I would definitely have No Crusts again, though not in large quantities.

Serving type: on-tap

06-28-2011 00:55:10 | More by bbqdude

amphion1065

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle into my Duvel tulip. Ryan, should I ever find myself in Boca, the first few rounds are on me. Reviewed from notes.

Pour is dark caramel, almost maroon. A half-finger tan head lasts for a minute or so. A lot of bubbles in my glass, it looks almost soda-like at first glance. Minimal lacing. There are quite a few bits of suspended yeast floating around.

It smells like peanuts. But then jam! I swear I can smell crust, but it may very well be psychomatic. Really though, it’s true: this is a dead ringer for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The sweet fruit aromas of the jelly are counterbalanced by the earthy, buttery, salty peanuts. I just want to keep smelling, and I can’t get my nose away from the glass.

Peanuts are very upfront in the taste, but I’m far more impressed by the bread-like quality. After about ten minutes of warming up, I could absolutely detect a hint of jelly. It’s an unmistakable flavor of berries – strawberries? – squarely in the middle of my tongue. That sweet fruit helps this beer live up to its namesake, but also adds a wonderful balance that pulls the taste together. This just gets better and better with each sip.

From my initial pour, I had a feeling this beer might be a little overcarbonated. I’m glad to say that my suspicion was unfounded. The carbonation level is perfect, and this medium-bodied beer is creamy and smooth, like a wonderful dessert.

For what it's worth, I thought this absolutely crushed Short's Uber Goober. The incorporation of fruit into this beer is masterful, and though this could have easily veered off into novelty territory it is harmoniously balanced. Ryan, you are a gentleman and, just as important, an alchemist.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2011 02:29:06 | More by amphion1065

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

dark brown pour, just menacing looking with a huge tan head that just towered over the top of the glass. Fading slowly it left behind tons of side glass lacing and a huge amount of spider like webs. Aroma was sweet and spicy at the same time. Notes of rye, brown sugar, molasses like touches and hints of coffee are all coming through very clearly. Each sip now seem to get a bit more complex then the one before it, really very well done here. Rich chocolate notes blending well now with huge malts and a touch of rye that are just fantastic. Light suagry finish with a touch of hops in the back, just enough to push it over the edge for me. ABV is very well hidden and had no issues at all with polishing this one off.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2011 01:06:55 | More by mikesgroove

rfgetz

New Jersey

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Dark coppertinted brown, full fluffy khaki bubbles, decent retention. As advertised, leads with a combination of fresh roasted and ground nuts, creamy peanut butter, notes of dark berries solid but not as in force as the nuttyness with a bready malt backbone. Taste brings a more balanced combination of nuts and fruit, bready malts still present with some moderate toast charachter. Medium bodied, creamy. Another fantastic food-centric brew from these guys.

Serving type: on-tap

06-07-2012 13:18:32 | More by rfgetz

thagr81us

South Carolina

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

Massive thanks goes out to my boy beeruser this one as a part of my birthday weekend! Served from bottle into a Mikkeller flute. Poured red-brown with a half finger light tan head that subsided to a minimal amount slowly. Maintained nice lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, peanut butter, jelly, and bread. The flavor was of sweet malt, peanut butter, jelly, bread, and subtle fruit. It had a mild feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was an excellent brew. If I am honest, this thing really did taste and smell like a PB&J sandwich... Almost scary how close it was. The peanut butter flavor sticks to your palate well after you sip is taken (almost like it is stuck to the roof of your mouth). No a lot bad can be said about this beer in any way, shape, or form. Really glad I got the chance to try this one!

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2011 13:57:16 | More by thagr81us

oline73

Maryland

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

I had this during the EBF, I was able to have several pours.

Appearance: Pours a reddish dark amber with a finger of off white head and a good amount of retention.

Smell: Nutty and full of fresh peanut butter. There is a slight malty sweetness and a hint of fruit.

Taste: The peanut butter dominates here as well. There is some fruit showing up, but no real tartness. The malt gives this one a bready flavor that works very well with the other tastes. Tastes like a PB&J.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with fluffy carbonation and a dry finish that seems to be very appropriate for the flavor.

Overall: This is an awesome beer. I wouldn't want to drink it every day, but when I'm in the mood for a beer that tastes like peanut butter and jelly, this would be my go to.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2012 21:46:44 | More by oline73

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

On-Tap at the Funky Buddha Lounge during their Buddha Goes Wild Night last week. Served in a 12oz Funky Buddha snifter.

A- Fairly dark in the lounge, but from what I can tell it appears to be a fairly dark Brown with a slight purplish hue to it. A thin layer of head forms that recedes at a moderate pace.

S- Wow this smells exactly like a PB&J sandwich, lots of peanut butter, bread crust, and Welch's Grape Jelly. Perfectly balanced, very aromatic, and extremely well executed for what they were going for.

T- Again tastes like the aroma with lots of peanut butter, Grape Jelly, and even a little bit of bread crust coming out. Well balanced, very flavorful, and quite tasty if you like peanut butter and jelly.

M- Medium bodied, easily drinkable, decent carbonation, fairly smooth.

O- I wouldn't say this was my favorite beer I've had or something that I would drink all the time, but definitely one of the more unique and enjoyable ones I've experienced. I think the execution on this was superb and they nailed the peanut butter and jelly smell/taste right to the tee. The best comparison I could make with this is with Jelly Belly jelly beans, it' amazing how they can make it taste so much like the real thing. I wouldn't say this beer is for everyone but I definitely recommend checking it out especially if you are looking for a unique interesting beer or you just like PB&J sandwiches.

Serving type: on-tap

04-05-2013 11:21:57 | More by jaasen64

MasterSki

Illinois

4.47/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle shared by Jason via Casey. Must appreciated. Served in a Jester King tulip.

A - Quick-dissolving light tan foam settles to a thin ring and some filmy haze, with a bit of spotty lacing. Dark brown body with some orange highlights.

S - The aroma is mostly intense dry roasted peanuts. There is some nebulous malt sweetness peeking through the cracks, but I found this to be all about the peanut butter. Perhaps a bit of toasted bread in there as well. Smells delicious in any case.

T - The taste has a bit more of the advertised jelly, but it's not particularly evocative of a specific fruit. My wife though apricots maybe, but it's not the typical raspberry, strawberry, or grape you'd find on a sandwich. Still tons of peanut goodness, along with some sugary notes and perhaps a hint of chocolate from the brown ale base. Doesn't quite have the same intensity as the aroma, but still very good.

M - Medium-light body that is slightly gritty (from the peanuts?). Zesty carbonation, and a clean crisp finish. Reminds you that this isn't very high in alcohol.

D - It's a gimmicky, but an excellent one. Much better than Short's PB&J or Uber Goober. I'm curious to see how this will age, as I can imagine the intense peanut aroma fading quickly. I was sad about how fast we finished the bottle and wish that I had bottle of my own. Hopefully Funky Buddha will make more down the road.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2011 21:24:30 | More by MasterSki

biggsbowler

Florida

4.47/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Funky Buddha - This beer is great!!! I never like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and still do not like them. However, this beer makes me want to like them. Lot of peanuts and jelly in the nose. The taste is just how wish a peanut butter and jelly sandwich should taste like. Keep up the solid work, Funky Buddha.

Serving type: on-tap

10-05-2011 17:25:54 | More by biggsbowler