Cold Smoke Scotch Ale - Kettle House Brewing Co.

MontanaBeers

Montana

4.83/5  rDev +22.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I may a bit biased in this review of the Kettlehouse's Cold Smoke. I mean it was one of the first beers I consumed legally in a brewery. For a few years not a day went by in which I didn't stop by the K-hole to get my hands on one of the many delicious beers they have to offer. But enough about the brewery.

Cold Smoke hold a place in my heart as one of the best beers to have graced my tastebuds. Like the name, a pint dripping with sweat and crisp white head, leaves me dreaming of the a days turns in the seemingly never ending cold smoke of a fresh powder day-- and its August.

Serving type: on-tap

08-04-2011 22:01:29 | More by MontanaBeers

ArtD

Maryland

4.6/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - off white head, love the ruby brown color
Smell - inviting - sweet honey, malt, and a slight herbal-smoky aroma, hints of baked bread and heather
Taste - what a scottish ale should taste like, clean and malty, not too "hot", just touch of smoke at the end, perfect imperceptible hop bitterness
Mouthfeel - medium to full body, not too thick
Drinkability - I want to buy a plane ticket to Missoula so I can access this beer continually. I fear it'll be far too long until this rare treasure passes my lips again.

Serving type: can

10-31-2007 00:40:02 | More by ArtD

Kindsdaddy

Montana

4.38/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Spent a week in Missoula last September. Stopped in to the Kettlehouse Brewery and Tried this beer after being disappointed in their Bongwater porter (the name fits). I was very pleasantly surprised by this beer. Found this beer on tap most everywhere we ate on tap. The only other Wee Heavy I'd had was an Import from Scotland. This beer comes damn close!

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2009 13:17:00 | More by Kindsdaddy

chugalug06

Colorado

4.33/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

A - Very nice head, rather aggressive. Head is nice off-white mildly foamy... Brew is nice dark purple with lots of black and and mild browns. Nice lacing too.

S - Yum. Nice. Lots of smokey goodness... Not a huge smoke fan, but this one is done right! Lots of small fruits... Grape, apple, banana, orange....

T - Very subtle smoke flavor, nothing intense. One of the best scotch ales I've had in some time. Mild malt with gentile hop.

M - Perfect carbonation and zero bitterness. Light body with awesome distribution.

O - This brew reminds me of being in Glacier National Park.... Awesome! Can't wait to go back and enjoy more of this fine brew. Definitely worth a try. I wouldn't hunt, but definitely seek. Great job Kettlehouse!

Serving type: can

07-12-2011 02:15:50 | More by chugalug06

PEBKAC

New York

4.18/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A treat from the Midwest brought to you by JohnGalt1.

All 16oz pour out & nestle right underneath the lip of my Unibroue tulip. It's about as dark as brown can be without stepping on black's toes. A sixth of an inch of head rests at the top. Deathly afraid of what lies over the edge. The air is thin up their it seems.

My scotch ale resume is still somewhat limited, but my initial whiff sets this beer on the lighter side of smoked. A little muted coffee, a little ash, nougat, a little newspaper. Some alcohol seeps through.

Being naturally hungry & looking for a pairing, I remember that I had just brought back a wedge of smoked Gouda for the fridge. Isn't it fate that I wait until now to crack this beer open or what? When was this trade, two months ago? :P

I hold off nibbling in the cheese until I take my first couple of sips(re: glugs). ... Incredibly mild is what first comes to mind. The nougat from before displays most prominently, with the ash being replaced with a more creamy lactose taste. Just the initial splash of coffee without the bittering edge, which is amazing. Nothing charred or over-roasted at all. Still a little newspaper in there, but when you lick your fingers enough to turn the page, you start to appreciate the finer qualities of soy. :P Is Cold Smoke a place in Montana?... because there isn't much actual smoke flavor unless you count the Daily News you burnt lighting up your chimney starter. I do like the overall mixture of dark ingredients without the extra malt & sugar I find excessive in scotch ales. Mild & delicious.

Mouthfeel is quite thin. I could even call it watery. Carbonation is on the low side. Alcohol is MIA. I know I sometimes say the alcohol is undetectable, but if this "beer" was ousted & placed on the supermarket shelves next to the root beer, I wouldn't be surprised. I do feel a little numb on an empty stomach(all 180lbs of me), so there has to be something in there.

The pint went down easier then most anything I've ever drank. I've had glasses of warm milk at bedtime give me a rougher time. Too bad I only had one can. Time to hit the trading forums. :)

Serving type: can

01-02-2008 01:45:09 | More by PEBKAC

Risser09

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz can shared at the homebrew club into a small American Pint - 2008 - Fridge Temp

Appearance: Pours a transparent brown color with orange highlights. A tan head rises about 1" and shows good retention with good lacing that coats the glass.

Smell: Caramel, malt, a tiny bit of smoke and PEAT! Not awfully apparent, but there is some peat aroma that reminds me of a single malt.

Taste: A number of malt flavors includes caramel, toast, fig, and peat. Peat is the most endearing quality of this beer. It makes it feel like what a scotch ale should be, a chaser to your dram. It only makes sense to make one taste similar to the other. Very nice.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and slick at first, but there is a drying effect in the finish. Perhaps it is more of a sharpness. Alcohol is evident, but not cloying.

Drinkability: Great. I have found a new favorite Scotch ale, one that should be the keystone to which the style is interpreted. Peaty, malty, and creamy, not to mention that it comes in a can. Very nice.

Serving type: can

05-29-2008 18:11:04 | More by Risser09

Deuane

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A-Clear deep copper with lighter highlights. A medium thin tan head redeuces to a thin ring leaving spotty lace..

S-Sweet caramel, malt and a nice wafting of peat smoked malt. This isn't a rauchbier but much more subtle, giving you just a suggestion of single malt scotch.

T-A swirling combination of sweet caramel, light roast and peated malt. The smokiness is present and prevalent but not overwhelming. This is a smoked beer for the masses....in a good way!

M-The only fault with this brew....and not a huge knock but just enough to warrant a less than good score. Medium-light body with a sharp feel from the carbonation. I would like a bit more body and smoother feel.

D-Tasty stuff, this alone could let me down multiples! I like the smoked elements plus the sweetness is not overwhelming....a fault I see in many scotch ales. This is a well crafted and tasty brew, from a can no less! Give it just a bit more body and round out the smoothness and this could become a world beater!

Serving type: can

08-02-2008 22:54:57 | More by Deuane

Khazadum

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Big puffy head developed, creamy, delightful, perfect retention, toasted bread coloration and sticky. It is a relatively murky body but you can still see the tons and tons of carbonation cascading upwards. Murky like... muddied water that you kicked up pushing your canoe into the lake.

Very malty. Biscuity, sweet caramels, murky brown sugar. Muddied sweetness but not confused. Sweet and no oxidized malt characteristics to complain of. Simple aroma, but delightful.

This flavor is unreal. Very well done. Opens up a blast of caramel sweetness, apples, and grains... like grapenuts and bread crusts without all the texture. Just an all around good drinking beer. Enough sweetness to balance out the carb savor characters. Finish of appreciable cellulose, not oxidized malt style.

The epitome of creamy. Like milkshakes and pudding all at once. Velvety smooth. Sticky flavor linger here and there but the finish isn't long lasting enough to really be a full level stickiness. Its a here...a....there...not everywhere. Really really like this beer. It makes me want to get more of their stuff. No jokes on that.

Serving type: can

12-13-2011 00:03:04 | More by Khazadum

TheBishop

Montana

4.1/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Got this in a can in Missoula, believe that is the only way you can get it. Heard alot about it, so thought I would give it a whirl.

Appearance is rather ordinary, nothing to make you go wow, but a typical looking scotch ale. This beer however delivers in superior taste and drinkability. At 6.5 abv this drinks like a 4.5. A great Scotch Ale, and very good entry beer for those wanting to sample different styles without taking a big risk.

Serving type: can

09-07-2008 03:24:20 | More by TheBishop

GeezLynn

Minnesota

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

16 oz can poured into a tulip.

A: Very dark brown with a decent white head.

S: Sweet caramel and dark roasted malt with a flicker of hops. Also a buttery aroma.

T: Plenty of malt, although a little less caramel than the smell would suggest, leaning more heavily on the roasted malt and smoky flavors. Finish is medium length and a slightly dry.

M: Medium bodied with ample carbonation.

Long time since I've had the pleasure of a Cold Smoke. Compared with a few other top-grade examples within the style, it could have a little more bulk. Nevertheless, a very nice, easy-drinking Scotch ale that is worth a trip to the Kettlehouse taproom if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Missoula.

Serving type: can

01-29-2010 03:03:51 | More by GeezLynn

glid02

Georgia

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

Can shared by jophish17 - thanks!

Pours a clear chestnut brown color with a half-finger tan head. The head recedes into a thin layer on top leaving solid lacing.

Smells of smooth caramel malts with a hint of toastiness and milder hints of toffee.

Tastes similar to how it smells. The malt flavors are a bit more complex as now hints of milk chocolate and lightly roasted malts back up the robust caramel malt flavors. Midway through the sip the flavors sweeten and hints of toffee make their way out, carrying through to a crisp ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with moderate carbonation.

Drinkability is very good. I finished my glass quickly and could easily have a few more.

Overall this was a nicely done scotch ale - very smooth and generous with different varities of malt flavors. Well worth a shot.

Serving type: can

03-28-2010 16:06:58 | More by glid02

capra12

New York

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

Reviewed solo, served out of a bowling pin bottom shaped glass from the I love the Variety BIF

Appaearance: Pours a deep and dark mohagundy with 2 1/2 fingers of frothy head.

Smell: I get a ton of dark candied malts with a hint of wood.

Taste: Opens with a dark malt profile. I'm greeted by a roasted malt and coffee towards the middle as dark candied malts finishes this brew, leaving my palate thirsty for the next sip. Malty and candied aftertaste almost reminds me of a cross between a bock and BSDA.

Mouthfeel: light to medium bodied with little carbonation, this reminds me of a doppelbock with a solid roast malt profile.

Drinkability: I would have this again and recommend this to those seeking a solid scotch ale with a strong malt backbone with lingering coffee and roast malt profiles.

Serving type: can

11-03-2010 02:51:39 | More by capra12

josiahschlender

Oregon

4.03/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

My brother brought over a couple cans when visiting from Montana. Props to Kettlehouse putting their beer in cans. They explain that it's more environmentally friendly, especially for the many people that enjoy their beer while enjoying the river. Glass sinks and can break. I'd take this floating any day over something in a glass bottle.

I like the dark, red-orange color when poured in my pint glass. To me it looks like the tint of a brown ale, but upon looking at it more closely, it just looks deep dark red, not having much brown in it. The off-white head is substantial when poured from the can, and lasts pretty long.

Aromas are the weak point. Some sweet toasted malts. Maybe a little honey. Not very roasty smelling for as dark as it looks.

The taste is also deceptively sweet and smooth for a beer that looks this dark. Knowing that it's a scotch ale, I wasn't expecting a porter flavor, but it still caught me off guard. Flavors are subtle and pleasing. I wish I had more knowledge of this style of beer to compare it to.

This beer goes down smooth and easy. Despite having a nice head, carbonation is minimal. It's almost a bit too thin, but it isn't obvious.

This is a really approachable, broad pleasing kind of beer. I think it would be tasty with lots of different kinds of foods. If you can find it, give it a try.

Serving type: can

01-04-2008 03:07:52 | More by josiahschlender

ChimRichels

Wisconsin

4.03/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

A - Poured into a snifter, a deep deep copper lets no light through. The longer I look at it, the more it looks to be straight up black. The soft white head offers quite the contrast to the dark, mysterious body. Imagine a porter with a white head. The head sticks around for a surprisingly long time.

S - Smells of sweet caramelized sugar, toasted bread and some dark fruits. Hop presence is not noticeable. Aroma is overall fairly quiet.

T - Where to begin... Lots of caramelization going on lending to some rich flavors of burned sugar and molasses with a definite bitterness akin to that of coffee/ toasted bread. Again, hops are not detectable, not that I was expecting them to be. Sweetness is right about where it should be, not cloying in any regard.

M - Outstanding. As soon as it hit my mouth I was blown away by the body on this beer. Exceptionally smooth. I don't know if I've ever had a beer that has a mouthfeel that stands out so much.

O - A really good malt-forward beer that I would love to drink again the next time I'm in Montana.

Serving type: can

08-16-2011 01:50:26 | More by ChimRichels

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

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

Appearance: Pours a clear, dark garnet-hued body wtih a small, bubbly, whiteish head.

Smell: Peaty, malty aroma of caramel candy, toasted nuts, and even some chocolate.

Taste: Toasty, nutty malts with a mild sweetness. Light peat character. Sprinkle of cocoa powder. Mildly earthy bitterness. Slight taste of pitted fruits. Mildly sweet, relatively clean finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium carbonation.

Drinkability: Not a bad lil' scotch ale, though I could stand and would appreciate a ramped up peaty smokiness.

Serving type: can

06-02-2008 23:42:56 | More by ChainGangGuy

indiapaleale

Massachusetts

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

Pour - the can very clearly reads "Canned on Sept 3 10". Love that! I wish more canning breweries made it that easy to see when they filled their cans. Anyways, this one pours a very, very dark amber with a inch of thick, yellowish-white head on top. This looks great, I am ready to dive in.

Aroma - brown sugar, brown bread, molasses, caramel, honey...all the sweet things in life basically. Rich and malty smelling as a good Scotch Ale should be.

Taste - smooth on the lips and tongue with a good bit of malty sweetness clearing the palate...for more malty sweetness. Like most other Scotch Ales the malt is the dominant flavor. Plenty of that biscuity flavor associated with malty brews as well as caramel and honey. As it warms I get some fruity apple cider-y flavors as well. Very tasty stuff.

Overall - sweet but not cloying. Actually, this is more of a juicy, malty brew if that makes any sense. Its refreshing like a lighter brew might be. Sort of hard to explain. Its easy to see why this is their flagship brew, its easy to drink and even easier to enjoy. If you like Amber Ales, ESBs or Brown Ales (or other Scotch Ales obviously) you'll certainly enjoy this beer.

Would I buy more of it? - hells yes. Great stuff in a great, big, awesome-looking can. Loads of malty goodness and just about perfect on a cold night in front of the fireplace.

Serving type: can

12-01-2010 01:21:01 | More by indiapaleale

facundoCNB

New Jersey

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

poured into a pint glass, perfect pour with a nice amount of light tan head that went straight to the brim of the glass. beer color is more like a porter - deep amber/brown. smells of vanilla, oak, slight hint of fruit (overtone of grapes). tastes very smokey, malty, sweet chocolate, slight bitterness from hops (very faint but in the aftertaste). real smooth on the palate, a little creamy on the roof of the mouth.. goes down like a nice stout. this is very well balanced beer.. never thought i liked scotch ales until i had this (and the three floyds one). very nice.

Serving type: can

03-19-2012 17:58:36 | More by facundoCNB

younger35

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was one of the two Kettle House brews that I received in a trade from JohnGalt1. O yeah, he gave me an ABYSS too! Drank and reviewed in-between games of Halo 3 (I’m a dork…). Drank from my family guy glass (ha!)

Appearance- Pours a dark brown with a bit of a amber/yellow tint with a nice one finger creamy head. Leaves a nice cap and collar with fairly decent lacing.
Smell- Lot’s of malt in this big fella. Lightly sweet with soft fresh bread tones. A bit of caramel goodness mixed in with very little, if any, hop kick.
Taste- Slightly sweet with a smooth honey like start. Nice bit of a roasted malt to go along with the sweetness and very slight smokiness. The smokiness is a bit different than what I expected. Could have used maybe a touch more “peatyness”. Finishes with a bit of a fruity bitterness with just a touch of alcohol. Overall pretty tasty stuff.
Mouthfeel- Nice and velvety smooth with very little carbonation.
Drinkability- This is a very easy drinking, pretty tasty brew. I’d drink this regularly if it was available to me. It sort of reminds me of Surly’s Bender without all the big flavor. Like it’s little brother. Thanks again to JohnGalt1!

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2007 00:24:14 | More by younger35

zhanson88

Montana

3.98/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours dark brown, when held up to light there is a lighter nut brown color around the edges. A couple fingers of light tan head that reduces into a small amount of lacing.

Smell: Roasted malts with slight mocha and caramel in there as well. A bit hard to pick out but it's all there.

Taste: Roasted malts are very up front and prevalent, balanced by sweet caramel, a bit of vanilla, and a touch of bitterness at the end.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and very smooth overall. Carbonation is almost below notice, which leads to a slightly syrupy feel.

Drinkability: Very drinkable. Not overly heavy or high on ABV. This is the first Wee Heavy I've tried but it sets a pretty decent standard.

Serving type: on-tap

08-18-2010 02:07:49 | More by zhanson88

Duff27

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Canned on 11/3/2011

A- Half-inch light tan head on a dark ruby red beer. Above average head retention...drink by drink step lacing on one side of the pint glass, splotchy lacing on the side that's being drank from.

S- Whiffs of cola and slight peat/smoke.

T- Big time sweet maltiness, caramel. Cola-esque aftertaste. Low to no hop presence, per style guidelines.

M- Full creamy mouthfeel. Carbonation is there, well integrated and isn't biting. Feels nice.

D/O- Very impressed with my first Kettlehouse offering. May not in the top tier scotch ale conversation but very solid nonetheless. Thanks fdkayti!

Serving type: can

12-13-2011 01:59:56 | More by Duff27

loren01

Oregon

3.95/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Poured a mahogany color, good sized head, slight lacing
S: Smell is sweet and malty, not much hoppiness at all, just lots of malt
T: Good grain/maltiness, nice sweet beer
M: Moderate to heavy bodied
D: Very flavorfull, would have tasted better on a nice cold winter day. Very good beer nonetheless.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2006 22:51:59 | More by loren01

JohnGalt1

Idaho

3.95/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

16oz can from the cellar purchased by my fiancee's parents at the Bozeman Community Food Coop .... Don't exactly remember the price but I thing around $4/can ... expensive but really a nice value and a chance to help keep canning alive while promoting a great Montana brewery.

I shared this brew with a coworker .. my half from my small weizen glass. Very nice beige head that left rings of lacing for the entire glass.. brew is brown... dark brown.. nice ruby highlites..

Biscuit malts and dark caramel... bready notes in the nose.. some expected esters that are not overplayed.. no hops, although I may be missing them..

Flavor is spot-on. malty and toffee... some very lite raisin... brown malts lingering ... good mix of yeasty fruitiness.. great body and carbonation.. blindfolded, I never would have guessed this was a canned brew.. I can never detect "peat smoke" in Scotch ales, and I won't try in this one.. but I swear there is a slight "Scotch" finish at the end of the palate.... smoooothh. creamy. very nice.

I have 1 more in the cellar.. I will probably keep it for a rainy day.. but you never know.. Cold Smoke is one of those beers that I really like to share with friends.

Serving type: can

12-20-2007 10:06:57 | More by JohnGalt1

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Canned on June 3, 2010. Good to know.

This beer pours a clear, very dark mahogany hue, with a multitude of foamy, rocky light beige head, which renders some thin layers of lace around the glass upon its retreat. It smells of roasted bready caramel malt, a bit of peat, and some citrusy alcohol. The taste is lightly toasted caramel malt, a soft chocolaty nuttiness, a little bit of vanilla bean, and an echo of smoke. The carbonation is quite sedate, the body medium weight, appealingly smooth and practically seductive. It finishes clean, and off-dry, a mildly smoky nuttiness presiding.

One easy-drinking scotch ale, no heat from the fortifying booze at all, which means that the name is at least half-right, the titular smoke being pretty ethereal.

Serving type: can

10-08-2010 23:13:28 | More by biboergosum

Boto

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Draught @ Big Sky: This one pours a ruby tinged brown color. It has a fairly decent frothy off white head on it, but it doesn’t last too long. A bit of a roasted, sweet malt to the nose, as well as some smokiness. I didn’t really get any peat out of it, as I might expect in a scotch ale. A good medium body and flavor. Mainly the sweet roasted malts that were in the aroma, as well as some of the smokiness. Some lurking hops for balance, but fairly hidden. Decent!

Serving type: on-tap

07-15-2007 11:42:48 | More by Boto

peck95

Washington

3.9/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

this is a good beer with no detractions.
pours nice dark amber color with a good sized head but little lacing
smell is sweet with a little bit of alcohol in the nose
the taste is nice a good nutty flavor with a good smoked choc. malt taste but no alcohol taste
the drinkability and mouthfeel are both good the ale is really smooth and a little thick

Serving type: can

10-01-2008 01:35:44 | More by peck95