AleSmith Horny Devil - AleSmith Brewing Company

BostonHops

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml bottle served in a snifter.

pours a cloudy straw yellow tone while yielding a huge, billowing off-white head - a frothy 3" of which (at least). retention is quite strong as is slowly fades, leaving some patchy lacing. great looking belgian pale. nose is nice, too: fairly aromatic with notes of coriander, belgian yeast, lemon zest, and some grassiness in the background.

flavor follows the aroma, delivering more of the same. bold presence of the coriander and lemon; yeast and some spice; secondary notes of grass and candi sugar. very well-hidden 11% ABV, finish is on the dry side. very tasty. mouthfeel is a touch thin; has lively carbonation.

overall i think this is a fantastic beer, one of those, whole being better than the sum of its parts types. it's flawed - we're not talking world class material here - but still really good.

(originally reviewed: 06-12-2011)

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 01:06:27 | More by BostonHops

DubbelBastard

Michigan

3.68/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: really pale golden color, thin white head.

Bouquet: faint sweet smell, not much there

Taste: The other reviewers are more eloquent than I... but I detect mostly just "sweetness" reminiscent of a Riesling.

Mouth: rolls over the tongue quite delicately, but has the consistency of the palest of ales.

Overall: They claim 11% abv, and the bros gave it stellar reviews. I can't taste the alcohol, which might be dangerous. I would be lead to believe that not all the wonderful Belgian sugar they used in the recipe got converted over to alcohol... but who knows, perhaps it did. If you're in the mood for a smooth, sweet, strong beer (or want to get your girl tipsy), this is a good beer to try.

Serving type: on-tap

05-21-2012 23:19:22 | More by DubbelBastard

ehammond1

California

3.95/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On Tap

Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA

Clear light golden with a small whtie head that leaves irregular lines of lace down the glass.

The aroma is a nice one, though the yeast isn't as present as I would have imagined. There's a bit of citrus, some grass, and mild Belgian yeast character.

The flavor is a mild, nice combination of bread, mild Belgian yeast, mild citrus, some grass, and earth. There's also some white grape flavor a well.

Medium bodied with moderate/high carbonation. The alcohol is very well integrated and hidden. Light and incredibly drinkable for such high ABV.

A nice, drinkable Belgian pale, and the huge ABV is hidden remarkably well.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2012 17:47:18 | More by ehammond1

Hopdaemon39

Massachusetts

4.9/5  rDev +21.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I've been looking forward to reviewing this beer.

Poured from a 750 ml capped bomber into an oversized wine-glass. Pours a hazy golden orange color with a fluffy 1+ finger head (even in the wine glass) with even retention and a few spots of lacing.

Smell is just funky enough- of course a good dose of Belgian yeast with some pale malt sweetness in the background. Not overwhelming funky smelling at all but not too mild.

Taste is exceptional- pale malt sweetness washes over the tongue at first, soon joined by the yeast, then a nice coriander note, easing back into an even blend of malt and yeast. Lovely.

Mouthfeel is also exceptional- light body with moderate to full carbonation. It is a thing of beauty. If you're in Cali and have not tried this beer- shame on you do it now! If not, just pay the 15 bucks and drink it for a special occasion. I cannot recommend it more highly.

Update: As I continue through the bottle, I notice more of a white grape flavor. Interesting.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2012 01:09:52 | More by Hopdaemon39

yonnie

California

4.35/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Poured into tulip. Cloudy yellow-orange-ish in color with finger fingers of offwhite head.

S - Malty, bready, Belgian yeast, citrus, some spice.

T - Sweet and malty, some floral spiciness, alcohol is well hidden.

M - Medium bodied.

O - Overall this is a terrific beer. A nice balance of sweet and spicy flavors and it is very easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2012 23:47:01 | More by yonnie

mactrail

California

3.83/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Big winey taste. Rush of hops. Mineral flavors. Light color in the glass. Light mouthfeel. Sharp taste, almost tart. A clear and light bodied brew that is full of power.

Fruity with a touch of pineapple. Lots of apples with a hint of lemon. Powerful with alcohol. Some hops play into the game. Fairly dry, not so much of the Belgian funk but plenty of bitter yeasty complexity. Very drinkable strong beer.

Happy to find this on tap at Ciro's in San Diego.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2012 05:48:08 | More by mactrail

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.38/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I've been wanting to try this one for a long time but have never taken the plunge until now. Sure, this is available here in DC, but it's a $20 beer!

Served in a Duck Rabbit snifter.

A: Hmmmm.... it doesn't look like an 11% ABV beer. It has a soft, cloudy, Alka-Seltzer infused orange color, with a very slight head that didn't add up to much in the whole scheme of things.

S: Scrumptious scent of orange juice, coriander, and Belgian yeast. Muted, yet effective.

T: It was like an uber sweet, melted orange popcicle with crushed orange Flintstone vitamins. The Belgian character was subtle, yet evident after close study.

M: Very champagne-like (to my mind) and sweet in a very decadent way. Also, I got no booze whatsoever, which was very unexpected given the high ABV. The lacing was pretty much non-existent.

O: I've had friends tell me to steer clear of this one, but in my opinion, this was absolutely fantastic and well worth the $20 I spent!

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2012 23:53:07 | More by Chaney

philbe311

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Voluminous four fingers worth of big chunky airy pure snow white colored head with a very rocky top... Actively and visibly fades away until showing impressive retention at a little over a fingers worth at which point some rich creaminess appears... The color is a medium gold with a very slight haziness... Loaded with small bubbled briskly paced carbonation throughout... A slight bit of lacing clings to the3 glass...

S - Stellar nose right off of the bat... Belgian yeast... Honey... Some light candied sugar... The coriander notes are present but faint... Some slight wheat notes... Wonderful balance and complexity... They really should make a cologne or air freshener out of this one... Stellar...

T - Belgian yeast from the get go... Hints of honey and candied sugars that come and go quickly... A brisk wheat spiciness... An herbal spiciness rises on the finish that a mix of coriander and pepper notes that continues to linger for a while... Some booze and medicinal notes mixed as well...

M - Medium bodied... Dense... Slightly sticky... Light prickly carbonation... Lush to start... Dry to finish...

D - I have never ever been let down by Alesmith... They continually deliver with each subsequent beer I try and this is no exception... A sipper with lots of character... An assertive and complex Belgian Strong Pale Ale... The nose is world class and all other facets are beyond very good... Highly recommend... Nicely done...

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 00:59:52 | More by philbe311

mltobin

Connecticut

4.08/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance is nice golden color with two fingers of head. This belgian strong pale ale has a nose of coriander, belgian yeast, pear and sugar. Upon sipping, it has a taste of banana, apple, candy, some bitterness. It is a sweet taste, but not too much so, quite pleasant. Mouthfeel is med-full, quite a bit of carbonation to it. Alcohol is hidden to an extent, so keep in mind it is a bit high, even for the style. But, it is a mighty tasty beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2012 20:50:34 | More by mltobin

UCLABrewN84

California

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles, CA.

Pours a murky honey gold with a foamy off-white head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy swaths of lace form randomly around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of grain, yeast, spices, and some slight citrus peel aromas. Taste is the same with the spices lingering on the finish. There is also a slight alcohol kick with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slight crispness and a medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer and a good American example of the style.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2012 06:18:02 | More by UCLABrewN84

marlinsfan4

Maryland

3.63/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Split a bottle with some friends, 100 from the Bros.? We'll see....

Almost a champagne like look/aroma/taste to this one, definitely one of the more unique Belgian strong pale ale's I've had. Kinda fruity smell, and surprisingly easy to drink for the high ABV. Doesn't really knock your socks off with taste though, but has a smooth finish and dry aftertaste making it mostly drinkable. Good beer, but wouldn't call it that great or 'amazing' in my opinion, glad I got to try it though.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 02:04:29 | More by marlinsfan4

Jdub983

California

3.6/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: A yellowish gold color, very little carbonation with little to no head.

Smell: Mild and faint flowery smell, not much to go by but pleasant.

Taste: Fruity aroma like a Chimay, and strong flavor of spices.

Mouthfeel: Drinkable, a lighter beer would come and go but this stays longer. It almost keeps in a way that makes you want to eat what you just drank.

Overall: Nothing that gave me a come-back moment. I wanted to try it but didn't have high expectations going into it. I would tell my past self to go for a different beer instead of this one.

Serving type: bottle

02-29-2012 04:24:48 | More by Jdub983

kojevergas

California

4.23/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

1 pint 9.4 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap acquired at Wades Wine in Westlake Village, California and served into an EKU 28 snifter in low altitude Los Angeles, California. I was a bit taken aback at the standard pressure cap; I'm used to Alesmith using corks. Reviewed live. Expectations are very high given the brewery, which has impressed me in the past. Cost was $10.99 USD plus tax.

Served refrigerator cold and allowed to warm over the course of consumption. Side-poured into the snifter without any extra vigor; I didn't anticipate carbonation issues. Snifter was filled with liquid; I didn't use brandy quantities (if you put the snifter on it's side, beer would definitely spill out). I left the yeast in the bottle per the label's instructions.

A: Pours a three finger head of slight cream, fair thickness, and great retention for the ABV. Really looks like a believable Belgian abbey head. Colour is a hazy semitransparent lemon yellow. It's generally appealing for the style, and the retention impresses me.

Sm: Coriander and spices, candi sugar, Belgian yeasts, clean malts, and some light earthy notes. A mild strength aroma. Pleasant and inviting; certainly indicative that the beer is alive.

T: Clean malts form the foundation. Coriander and pleasant spices are very complementary of the overall profile. Candi sugar gives it a delightful subtle sweetness that manifests alongside its fizzy delicate mouthfeel. Some subtle yeast notes. Really pleasant and refreshing. Fresh and enjoyable. Biscuity. Very full bodied. Complex yet subtle. There's some wonderful layering going on, particularly with the well-chosen malts. Incredibly well balanced and wonderfully built for the style. Very lovely.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Delicate and thin without feeling weak or inadequate. I don't know how they kept the mouthfeel so restrained while maintaining such a full bodied flavour profile. Quite remarkable. Perfectly carbonated, without any sharpness at all. Complements the flavour quite well. A bit of cream, but not as it is in most stouts; more subtle.

Dr: It drinks like it's 5%. Very drinkable for the ABV and style. It's really an excellent beer. I would definitely have this again, preferably aged or on-draught. Another very impressive beer from Alesmith. Brilliant for the style.

It drank just fine out of me snifter. I'd recommend this one for aging, absolutely. It's hard to imagine it much better, but I'd certainly like to try it. On par with Russian River's damnation in terms of Belgian style golden ales.

A-

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2012 23:24:51 | More by kojevergas

JohnnyMc

Ohio

4.78/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A very decent Belgian style ale. Despite the strong abv there is not even the slightest hint of alcohol in the aroma or taste. This has almost a champagne type quality to it. There is a lot of malt in the taste, but it is balanced by the citrus and slight sweetness. A nice fresh slice of orange would go well with this.

The aroma has a fresh and slightly fruity smell that hints at the actual taste. A very easy to drink beer with a smooth finish and a very dry aftertaste. I would be interested in aging this at some point.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2012 17:51:21 | More by JohnnyMc

thagr81us

South Carolina

3.65/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Big thanks goes out to my doppelganger for sharing this one me at a tasting! Served from bottle into a Mikkeller taster flute. Poured a pale straw yellow with a two finger pure white head that subsided to a minimal amount slowly. Maintained decent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, banana, clove, spice, and sweet alcohol. The flavor was of sweet malt, banana, alcohol, and spice. It had a light feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this was a fairly decent brew. This one was all over the place with the aroma and flavor. The alcohol definitely makes itself known throughout the entire brew. Despite this fact it was really well balanced, but the alcohol hurts the drinkability. Worth trying if you see it around.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 02:47:13 | More by thagr81us

CuriousMonk

Virginia

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from bomber into tulip glass. Pours clear golden with a massive, rocky white head that slowly recedes to an even layer of lace, leaving a bit of lace residue along the inside of the glass. The nose is super fruity with pear, white grape, candi sugar, and spices, along with some fairly light hay malt, and just a hint of alcoholic heat. The flavor is lightly sweet up front with the candi sugar and, pear and grape juice showing nicely, along with the spices and hay malt just lightly peaking through. The body is medium with lively, mouth-filling carbonation. A pretty good offering from AleSmith for the style.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2012 22:27:06 | More by CuriousMonk

Ghenna

California

4.3/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Fresh 750, served at 55 in an NewB snifter. White fine foam, sticks around for a while too.

Nose is a huge wiff of mellow citrus and honey on the back end. If a smell could have an equivalent of mouthfeel, this comes off as powdery. Never experienced this before.

Taste is sweet and mild citrusy coriandery taste, belgian spice.

Nose is super complex- by far one of my favorites. There is just so much nuance, unlike anything I've ever had.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 03:26:17 | More by Ghenna

cdkrenz

Wisconsin

4.75/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Champagne bottle cellared above 45 degrees for a full year. Served at precisely 55 degrees.

A - Golden body with a great amount of carbonated action. The head is massive from the get-go in a pure white cloak. The stamina is extraordinary as it slowly fades leaving a meringue looking top... minus the toasty brown edges.

S - Pale malt, sweet alcohol, subtle SweetTarts and divinely hidden hops.

T - Thick malt flavor with a sweet finish. There's a certain Belgian yeast quality that doesn't overwhelm but is rather accented by the malts. There is no alcohol taste here even though the beer is 11% abv, which is rather amazing when you consider there are no roasted or heavy caramel malts evident in the beer. This is truly a world class bevy.

M - Coarse and abrasive in the beginning. As the bottle gets more and more shallow that abrasiveness wears out. This leads into a softer, easier drinking, medium bodied, thicker beer. It's nice and warm in the mouth, chest, stomach and eventually head. Even the finish drys nicely.

~ This is a fantastic beer. I don't for a minute regret holding on to it in my cellar for a year. When I purchased the brew I paid $11.99 at a super place in Orange, California called Hollingshead's Delicatessen. I look forward to going back, and when I do, I will pick up another bottle of this fine Belgian from Southern California.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 02:19:19 | More by cdkrenz

jsanford

Georgia

3.78/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

750ml bottle poured into a Tulip Glass.

A - Pours a cloudy orange with a short-lived fluffy white head that settles to a slight haze.
S - Sweet aromas of ripe pear, Candi sugar, spicy coriander, and Juicyfruit gum. Seriously.
T - Taste is similar to the nose, very fruity, with more ripe pear, berry, Candi sugar, coriander, and more of that "Tutti-Frutti" gum thing going on.
M - Crisp and slick, with a medium body and "spritzy" carbonation.
O - A good beer, but not at all what I was expecting (which was basically a Duvel clone). Very fruity, and pretty unique.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2012 18:50:35 | More by jsanford

mindspin315

New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured a big white head faded away very fast to a slight cap, but totally goes away as you drink through the beer. Solid yellow body...little bit hazy and lots of carbonation bubbles flowing up the glass. No alcohol sticking to the glass.

Huge sugary sweet aroma. Lots of candied sugar, lemon custard, yeast esters, pear, and vanilla. Smells a lot like you've just walked into a Whole Foods. (I mean that in the most positive of ways)

Upfront lots of candied sugary sweetness which goes away a bit in the middle and the end but comes back to coat the mouth in the aftertaste. Coriander sits on the tip of the tongue when the beer first hits it. Over ripened peaches, lemon peel, creamy fruit tart, and lemon pie flavors. Carbonation is noticeable but it doesn't have a sharp or palate cleansing style presence like many Belgian pale ales. Dry feel mid way glides over the tongue. Swirling the glass amps up the carbonation (naturally) and brings on a Sprite like flavor.

Horny Devil sits alongside any very good Belgian Triple/Pale Ale. Drinkable for such a big beer, the alcohol reveals itself slightly but never noticeable unless you're looking for it. Bits of spiciness, sweet candied sugar, faint peppery yeast, and delicate mouthfeel all add up to a must try Belgian style ale.

[87/100]

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 06:09:00 | More by mindspin315

superspak

Michigan

3.9/5  rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

750 ml bottle with red foil into tulip; no bottle date, but it is a 2011 bottle. Pours slightly hazy golden straw color with a huge 4 finger fairly dense white head with incredible retention that reduces to a cap eventually. Some bits of soapy lacing cling to the glass as well. Aromas of big lemon, apple, pear, pepper, candi sugar, coriander, biscuit, and yeast spiciness. Very nice and standard Belgian pale ale aromas here with good strength. Taste of big lemon, pear, apple, clove, pepper, coriander, candi sugar, herbal spices, and a bit of light grainy tartness. Lingering notes of lemon, pear, candi sugar, spices, and coriander on the finish for a bit. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied; with a slightly creamy and smooth mouthfeel, with some prickly carbonation. Alcohol is very well hidden at 11% with only a slight warming after the finish. Good balance of flavors, and fairly nice complexity. Overall, no real complaints about this one. Damn nice and well put together Belgian strong pale!

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2012 04:15:13 | More by superspak

PeterIngemi

Massachusetts

3/5  rDev -25.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I had an incredibly difficult time reviewing this beer, mostly because I feel it is though it's a style that I really do not care for.

A- murky yellow/orange. Intense head, very solid lacing.

S- Belgian yeast, orange peel, pear/apple

T- not as clovey as I was originally afraid of, sweetness in the middle, pear, orange

M- nicely carbonated, shap

O- overall I'm sure it is an excellent beer if this is the kind of thing your into, just not my cup of tea!

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2012 01:50:21 | More by PeterIngemi

BeerDawgs

Georgia

5/5  rDev +24.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A - A clear cloudy golden color, 2 fingers of head, and tons of lace, love it

S - Belgian sweet candy, coriander. Spices.

T - Sweeet belgian candy, light malts, not much hops. So smooth and well balanced!

M - Full bodied.

O - Best Beer I Have Ever Had In My Life! I took one sip at the Alesmith brewery, and I told my fiance, "this is the best beer I have ever had". Unbelievable!

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2012 06:42:29 | More by BeerDawgs

corby112

Pennsylvania

2.68/5  rDev -33.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Pours a cloudy, dark golden orange color with a one finger white head that immediately settles into a thin ring. Minimal spots of lace left behind.

Spicy aroma with lots of zesty coriander, bready yeast and crisp, light fruit. Slightly earthy with some grass, peppery coriander, candy sugar, apple and pear.

Medium bodied with sharp, tight carbonation and a prominent coriander spiciness that dominates the flavor, lingering over the grassy, yeast and light fruit notes into a slightly dry, boozy finish. The carbonation and strong spice presence makes this beer a bit harsh and difficult to drink. As it warms and the palate adjusts, the grassy hops, bready yeast and fruit notes become more evident. Hints of apple, pear and candy sugar add sweetness but the spice is too strong for my liking. Finishes with a lot of boozy sweetness and warmth in the chest. ABV not very well masked and a bit one dimensional. A rare miss from AleSmith.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2011 06:58:31 | More by corby112

BigMike

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured a light golden orange with a huge fluffy head.

S: Coriander and peppery spice. Alcohol notes in the background. A sugary sweetness is picked up also. Strong Belgian yeastiness.

T: Like the nose, lots of pepper and coriander. Candied sugar and Belgian yeast. The 11% abv is noticeable.

M: Medium bodied. Lots of carbonation that's sharp on the tongue.

Overall: A good beer. Lots of good Belgian qualities but nothing I was overly excited about

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2011 03:41:42 | More by BigMike